Substation Operations Manager

About Overwatch Mission Critical Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor services for the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's a purpose.
Overview The Substation Operations Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of private substation operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts supporting data center development projects. This position is directly responsible for ensuring third-party vendors and internal teams deliver services that maintain high-voltage asset reliability while strictly adhering to safety, financial, regulatory standards, and tenant SLAs. The incumbent will interact with utility partners, EPC contractors, operations vendors, asset management teams, and capital partners as necessary. This role is based out of company headquarters with regular travel to project sites and utility partner locations. Travel requirements may expand as the portfolio grows.
Primary Responsibilities
- Draft, negotiate, and execute Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Response contracts with vendors and subcontractors to ensure favorable terms and clear service-level agreements.
- Maintain compliance with tenant service level agreements
- Lead coordination between tenants and O&M contractors/vendors for routine, maintenance, and emergency response work
- Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for contractors, ensuring they meet technical standards (ANSI, IEEE) and safety regulations (OSHA, NESC).
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain contract schedules; negotiate and resolve critical path conflicts related to vendor performance.
- Manage contracts and agreements and enforce provisions as necessary throughout the project life cycle.
- Build and maintain a qualified network of substation O&M contractors capable of supporting emergency response and routine maintenance across multiple markets.
- Develop safety and access protocols for all substation sites and develop action plans to ensure compliance
- Review all substation one-lines prior and during construction to confirm tenant redundancy requirements are met.
- Conduct monthly inspections of all active substation sites.

Key Qualifications & Competencies:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, construction management, business, or a related field, or equivalent significant relevant working experience in lieu of degree.
- 5+ years of direct experience in substation operations, transmission and distribution (T&D) projects, and high-voltage maintenance.
- Proven track record in vendor management and oversight of major EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies.
- Strong understanding of electric transmission and distribution systems, substation concepts, and electric utility infrastructure.
- Deep knowledge of NERC standards, OSHA safety guidelines, and ANSI/IEEE technical specifications.
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, protective relays, and the ability to interpret one-line electrical diagrams and schematics.
- Familiarity with condition-based maintenance and predictive monitoring tools for asset management.
- Knowledge of utility agreements, tariffs, and power contracts across multiple utility markets.
- Strong understanding of power redundancy principles and data center-specific electric utility requirements.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines and generate detail-oriented work product.
- Self-starter and team-player with ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with senior management, technical consultants, utility stakeholders, and fellow employees.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; cloud-based project management software a plus (Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud).

Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
- Project management (PMP) or relevant electrical certifications.
- Experience supporting hyperscale or colocation data center utility infrastructure.
- Specific experience with private substation ownership and O&M contract structures.
- Familiarity with DCIM platforms and substation asset management systems.
- Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable energy integration.

Driver’s License Requirement For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.
Communication Skills Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications related to job duties.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment This position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions. The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site — including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures — may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
- Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
- Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in and around active construction areas, which may include unfinished buildings, temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure. These locations may contain uneven surfaces, limited accessibility, and other conditions typical of construction projects prior to final completion. Overwatch does not control and cannot modify accessibility conditions within areas, facilities, or temporary structures owned or managed by third parties.
Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create safety hazards, impede essential mobility within active work zones, or require modification of facilities not owned or controlled by Overwatch.
Benefits We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. Relocation assistance is available to support candidates transitioning to the location.
OVERWATCH is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OVERWATCH considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.