Senior manager of business operations

We're looking for a Senior Manager of Business Operations to serve as the operational backbone of our growing company. This is a high-visibility, hands-on role that owns the processes connecting our leadership team, field operations, and clients for ESS O&M and Special Projects — from the moment a new contract is signed through client onboarding, invoicing, fleet readiness, and technician training. The right candidate is agile, detail-driven, and comfortable switching between strategic process ownership and roll-up-your-sleeves execution in the same day.

What You'll Own

• Client Onboarding & Contract Administration for O&M and Special Projects
  • Lead the onboarding process for new clients as contracts are signed, ensuring a smooth, accurate start to every relationship
  • Enter contracts with the pricing, billing terms, and scope detail required for invoicing, using the record standard agreed with the Contracts & Vendor Administrator.
  • Manage a clean, well-documented handoff of each new client to the Client Relations team
• Vendor & Subcontractor Onboarding for O&M and Special Projects
  • Own the end-to-end vendor and subcontractor onboarding process, from initial qualification through system setup, and hold the standard for what "approved to work" means for O&M and Special Projects work at ESS.
  • Define and maintain onboarding requirements by vendor type, including insurance minimums, licensing, W-9 and tax documentation, safety and compliance certifications, and any client-flow down requirements from governing contracts.
  • Approve new vendors before work is assigned or purchase orders are issued, and ensure no vendor performs work without required documentation on file.
  • Ensure vendor records, pricing schedules, and agreements are set up completely and accurately in Salesforce and accounting systems, and that renewal and expiration dates are tracked.
  • Coordinate with Operations, Accounting, and Client Relations so that vendor pricing, scope, and terms align with how the work will be billed to the client.
  • Establish and maintain the vendor agreement and subcontractor agreement templates in partnership with leadership and outside counsel, and escalate non-standard terms for review.
  • Monitor certificate of insurance and compliance expirations across the active vendor base and ensure lapses are resolved before they affect scheduled work or payment.
  • Build and maintain the onboarding checklist, SOP, and tracking tools, and audit completed onboardings periodically for gaps.
• Operational Assets & Compliance
  • Own compliance and readiness for company vehicles and field equipment, ensuring registrations, inspections, licensing, and fuel/toll programs are managed on schedule
  • Establish tracking and vendor processes so nothing lapses
• Training & New Hire Onboarding
  • Help run and continuously improve the field technician training program, coordinating schedules, materials, and completion tracking
  • Support onboarding for new hires, coordinating first-day logistics, equipment, and training schedules so every new team member starts strong
• Company Programs & Leadership Support
  • Oversee planning of quarterly company events and other internal programs
  • Take on cross-functional projects for the leadership team

What Success Looks Like

• New clients are onboarded quickly and accurately, with zero contract details lost between signature and Client Relations handoff
• New Vendors and Subcontractors are onboarded, with zero contract details lost between signature and Regional Manager/Special Projects handoff
• The fleet is 100% compliant — no lapsed registrations, inspections, or licenses
• New hires are set up and productive from day one, technicians move through training on schedule, and quarterly events run smoothly
• Leadership trusts you as the person who makes things happen

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience in business operations, operations management, or a similar multi-functional role
• Salesforce experience (data entry, record management); CRM discipline and accuracy are essential
• Strong attention to detail, especially with contracts, pricing, and compliance-sensitive documents
• Proven ability to juggle multiple workstreams — this role touches fleet, billing, onboarding, training, and events, often in the same week
• Excellent communication skills across leadership, field teams, and external vendors
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office / Google Workspace; comfort learning fleet and expense platforms (e.g., WEX)
• Experience in field services, energy, construction, or O&M environments a plus
• Event planning experience a plus

Who You Are

Agile. Organized. Unflappable. You like being the person others rely on to keep the operation running, you sweat the details others miss, and you're equally comfortable building a better process and executing the one that exists today.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions 🌞. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments 💼. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers 🌍. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do 🌿. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority 💡. At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together 🎉. With over 250 projects across the U.S. 🌎, our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path 🌟. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future 🌍.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice. New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com