Job Description

ABOUT GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) is a hub of culture and experiences. As a family of brands, The Authority is the parent company of Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Signia by Hilton Atlanta, and Savannah Convention Center. As a team member at The Authority, you understand that we are more than a venue; we're a world stage for connection, innovation, and celebration.

PLANT MANAGER POSITION SUMMARY

The Authority is currently recruiting a Plant Manager to join Georgia World Congress Center. The Plant Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing all mechanical utility and plant operations at the Georgia World Congress Center. This role ensures the reliability, efficiency, and safety of all mechanical systems that support large-scale events. The position requires strong technical expertise, leadership in team and vendor management, and strategic oversight of energy performance, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will share our values of authenticity, accountability, and teamwork while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Candidates under final consideration will be required to undergo a criminal history evaluation and drug screening prior to employment.

PLANT MANAGER PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The GWCC campus is ~ 3.9 million square feet, consisting of three interconnected buildings. In a major energy upgrade, GWCC centralized multiple mechanical plants (existing in different buildings) into one central plant. Chiller equipment includes one 1,490-ton Trane CenTraVac centrifugal chiller and four 1,650-ton Trane CenTraVac chillers, to meet a thermal cooling load up to ~6,000 tons. Heating is supplied by six dual-fuel high-efficiency condensing hydronic boilers (Fulton Vantage VTG, 5 million BTU/hr) providing approx. 30 million BTUs, replacing older fire-tube hot water boilers. This is for comfort heating and humidification. The facility uses a modern Building Automation System (BAS) (Trane's Tracer(TM) SC) to monitor and control chillers, boiler / condensing water flows, primary and secondary pumps, etc. Setpoints and control are adjusted based on load, schedule, occupancy, and outdoor conditions. The mechanical / HVAC systems are critical for event readiness: the plant must support large load swings, full occupancy, variable usage (exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, auditoriums), and continuous operations. Maintenance and upgrades must be done often around event schedules.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Essential duties and responsibilities are performed in mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, rooftop equipment, cooling towers, elevated platforms, possibly confined spaces. Performing duties will lead to exposure to noise, high temperatures, water, steam, chemicals (especially in boiler water treatment, cooling towers), moving machinery; appropriate PPE required.




Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is moderately exposed to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, toxic chemicals, electrical currents, explosives, and/or loud noises. The ability to lift 50 pounds or more may be required of this position. Daily shifts will endure various degrees of walking, standing, turning, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling, requiring a full range of body movements. This position may require work inside or outside of the building, as needed by events.

PLANT MANAGER ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Director of Facility Management, the Plant Manager oversees operation of the central plant chillers (one 1,490-ton and four 1,650-ton CenTraVac units), ensuring optimal startup, load management, efficiency, and redundancy. Monitor and manage the six Fulton Vantage VTG condensing boilers, ensuring reliable heat and humidification as required, managing dual-fuel operations (natural gas and backup fuel) as needed. Maintain all auxiliary mechanical systems: primary and secondary chilled water pumps, condenser water loops, boiler feed water systems, cooling towers, air handlers, fans, controls, etc. Maintain a robust schedule for preventive maintenance of chillers, boilers, pumps, VFDs, cooling towers, piping systems, valves, sensors, etc. Use data from the BAS system (Trane Tracer SC) to monitor performance, detect anomalies, carry out predictive maintenance where possible (e.g. trending vibration, temperature, flow, efficiency). Coordinate emergency repairs with minimal disruption to events; maintain redundancy and backup capabilities. Manage PM/work orders to ensure work tasks are completed. Implement continuous performance improvement strategies to reduce utility usage, based on past success (the plant achieved ~39-43% utility cost savings vs baseline after upgrades) through the energy savings performance contract. Monitor water use (e.g. cooling tower makeup, condensate return, plumbing fixtures), natural gas/fuel use, electricity usage of mechanical systems; optimize setpoints, pumps, sequences of operations for both part-load and full-load conditions. Ensure all boilers are properly certified, inspections up to date, safety systems in place (e.g. for pressure vessels, combustion safety, boiler water treatment). Ensure mechanical systems operate within building code, fire-life safety, environmental regulations (e.g. emissions, effluent from cooling towers, fuel handling). Oversee safety protocols: lockout/tagout, permits for confined space, fall protection (mechanical rooms, rooftops), protective equipment for staff. Manage mechanical/plant staff: technicians, engineers, maintenance teams - training them on the newer equipment (condensing boilers, VFDs, centrifugal chillers, BAS). Schedule maintenance and upgrades around GWCC event calendar, liaise with event operations to avoid system downtime during events. Oversee external contractors / vendors for special projects: boiler/chiller replacement, cooling tower overhaul, plant upgrades, etc. Understand the motivations, needs, goals and aspirations of direct reports to effectively manage, evaluate, coach and develop individual and team performance. Create work and labor schedules as required. Monitor and maintain accurate payroll records of department employees. Plan for the lifecycle replacement of major equipment (boilers, chillers, pumps, controls). Manage parts inventory for critical spares (e.g. boiler components, VFDs, sensors, control valves). Prepare and manage the budget for mechanical plant O&M (operation, maintenance) and capital improvements. Initiate and/or authorize purchases in accordance with Authority guidelines. Ensure mechanical systems are capable of ramp-ups for large events (max cooling, heating, ventilation demands), full occupancy, and extreme circumstances (weather, outside temperature extremes). Maintain on-call status for mechanical emergencies during events. Build and leverage sustainable partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of customer expectations. Use metrics and dashboards (via the BAS and other systems) to track system performance (load, efficiency, energy use, uptime). Report on utilities performance (gas/fuel use, electricity, water, chiller & boiler efficiencies) and identify opportunities for improvement. Organize initiatives for sustainability (e.g. adjusting operations based on schedule, occupancy, using automation to turn off or reduce equipment during low-use periods). Accurately documents and completes administrative paperwork as required Comply with The Authority policies and procedures associated with such programs as risk management, safety, and emergency management. Maintain an ethical and professional image when interacting with internal and external customers in to ensure customer satisfaction. Perform other duties as assigned.

PLANT MANAGER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Ability to work an irregular schedule to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job. May be required to work or respond nights, weekends, holidays during events or emergencies. Comprehensive understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems operations and maintenance. Strong knowledge of central plant operations, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and energy management systems. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and energy efficiency strategies. Knowledge of safety regulations, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance requirements. Understanding of budget development, cost control, and procurement procedures. Awareness of sustainability practices, utility optimization, and green building standards (e.g., LEED). Knowledge of event and facility operations within a large public assembly venue. Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose system performance issues and implement effective solutions. Skilled in strategic planning, resource allocation, and workflow prioritization. Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across departments and with external partners. Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong project management skills for overseeing maintenance upgrades, capital improvements, and vendor contracts. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and operating manuals. Ability to manage complex mechanical systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and safety during high-demand events. Ability to analyze and optimize energy usage for cost and environmental benefits. Ability to lead and mentor technical staff, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to operational emergencies. Ability to coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, event-driven environment. Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and implement innovative operational practices.

PLANT MANAGER EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Facilities Management, or similar), or equivalent with extensive experience preferred. Technical Degree required or combination of education and experience. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in large-scale mechanical plant operations, ideally with experience managing large, centralized chiller/boiler plants. Hands-on knowledge of centrifugal chillers, condensing boilers (especially dual-fuel), pumps, VFDs, cooling towers, hydronic systems. Experience with BAS systems (Trane Tracer SC or similar), including remote monitoring, control tuning, optimization. Strong record with energy conservation / efficiency programs; familiar with performance contracting is a plus. Demonstrated leadership managing maintenance crews, scheduling around heavy usage or complex event schedules. Good understanding of safety standards, mechanical codes, environmental regulations, combustion safety, boiler operation / hydronic systems. Competence in planning capital upgrade projects, evaluating mechanical equipment for life cycle cost, energy efficiency, etc.

PLANT MANAGER BENEFITS

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority offers a

competitive salary

and

comprehensive benefits package

, including:

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage Paid vacation and state holidays Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options 401(k) plan with 5% employer match Free on-site dining (during operating hours) and parking Employee discounts on insurance, technology, travel, and event tickets



Visit www.gwcca.org to learn more about our culture and campus.


Georgia World Congress Center Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, or on terms or conditions of employment because of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, eligibility for military service, disability, or for any other illegal purpose.