CEO / COO - Renewable Energy

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for leading the strategic direction, operational excellence, and overall growth of the geothermal business unit. This role demands a visionary leader with extensive experience in the geothermal energy sector, capable of driving project development from conception to commercial operation, optimizing existing assets, and fostering innovation. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the business, including strategy, finance, operations, project execution, and stakeholder relations, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Growth:
  • Develop and execute comprehensive business strategies to expand the geothermal portfolio, identify new opportunities, and achieve revenue and profitability targets.
  • Lead market analysis, competitive assessments, and technology evaluations to position the organization as a leader in geothermal energy.
  • Drive innovation and adoption of best practices in geothermal exploration, development, and operations.
• Operational Excellence & Project Execution:
  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of geothermal projects, from resource assessment, exploration, drilling, and plant construction to commissioning and ongoing operations.
  • Implement robust operational frameworks, processes, and performance metrics to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability across all projects.
  • Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to deliver projects on schedule and within financial parameters.
  • Optimize existing geothermal assets for maximum energy output and operational efficiency.
• Financial Management & Performance:
  • Develop and manage annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
  • Identify and secure financing for new projects, including engaging with investors, financial institutions, and government bodies.
  • Monitor financial performance, implement cost control measures, and ensure strong financial health and return on investment.
• Business Development & Stakeholder Relations:
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, local communities, partners, and investors.
  • Lead negotiations for power purchase agreements (PPAs), land rights, and other critical contracts.
  • Identify and pursue strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisition opportunities to enhance business capabilities and market reach.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of geothermal professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
  • Develop organizational capabilities to support current and future business needs.
• Risk Management:
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, operational, financial, regulatory, and environmental risks associated with geothermal projects.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Geological, Petroleum, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Earth Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in the energy sector, with at least 8-10 years specifically within the geothermal industry.
  • Proven track record in senior executive roles (CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) successfully leading large-scale geothermal project development and operations.
  • Demonstrated experience in securing project financing and managing complex financial structures.
  • Extensive experience with regulatory compliance and permitting processes for energy projects.
• Technical Acumen:
  • Deep understanding of geothermal resource exploration, drilling, reservoir management, power plant design, and operations.
  • Familiarity with various geothermal technologies (e.g., flash, binary, hybrid) and their applications.
• Leadership & Business Skills:
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to build, motivate, and manage high-performing teams.
  • Results-oriented with a strong drive to achieve business objectives.

Desired Attributes

• Visionary leader with a passion for renewable energy and sustainable development.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and professional conduct.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on growth and innovation.
• Strong cultural awareness and adaptability to diverse business environments.