Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Certification
Software
Timeline
Generic
John Ruiz

John Ruiz

Napa, CA,CA

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Vice President of Infrastructure and Asset Management with extensive experience in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), coupled with a proven track record in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of Solar, BESS, and renewable energy projects. Adept in leading cross-functional teams, negotiating contracts, and driving operational excellence. Seeking to leverage entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills to contribute to the growth and success of a forward-thinking renewable energy company.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President

Blue Sky Utility
11.2023 - Current
  • Spearheaded development and execution of comprehensive infrastructure and asset management strategies for Solar, BESS, and renewable energy projects.
  • Led all phases of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction activities, from project planning and design to procurement, construction, and commissioning, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers, contractors, and service providers, optimizing cost-effectiveness and quality of deliverables.
  • Drove cost reduction initiative to optimize Development pipeline by reducing overall project costs by more than 30%.
  • Restructured EPC department to maximize internal capabilities which resulted in 70% reduction in LNTP costs, Interconnection management costs, and other Development Engineering costs.
  • Successfully integrated 3rd party Engineering design services located in India that has resulted in monthly savings of 75% for PV and BESS design services.
  • Implemented internal roofing capabilities that have lowered company roofing costs by more than 60%.
  • Efficiently managed O&M activities for portfolio of renewable energy assets, implementing proactive maintenance programs to maximize system uptime and performance.
  • Provided strategic direction and leadership to cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments.
  • Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Leveraged data analytics and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and community partners, to support business objectives and promote sustainable growth.
  • Successfully implemented company safety program that consists or training, tracking, and overall management of HSE program for more than 40 employees Nationwide.
  • Successfully managed over 100 interconnection applications in multiple markets while adhering to all local utility requirements.
  • Regularly travel across U.S to meet with clients, contractors, projects, utilities, etc.
  • Assist M&A department throughout due diligence process to ensure project viability.
  • Manage all insurance claims as needed. Assets under construction or operational.
  • Responsible for identifying federal, state, local, incentives and tax credits.
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
  • Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.

Director

Blue Sky Utility
03.2018 - 11.2023
  • Directed day-to-day operations of large-scale renewable energy facility, overseeing production, maintenance, and safety protocols.
  • Implemented operational strategies to optimize resource utilization, streamline workflows, and minimize downtime.
  • Developed and managed departmental budgets, forecasting expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
  • Provided leadership and mentorship to operations staff, fostering culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional development.
  • Collaborated with engineering and construction teams to identify and address operational challenges, ensuring seamless project transitions from construction to operations phase.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews and evaluations to assess operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
  • Established strong relationships with regulatory agencies and industry associations, staying abreast of emerging trends and regulatory changes impacting renewable energy sector.
  • Managed roofing warranty claims with GAF, Carlisle, John Mansfield, Progressive Material, etc.
  • Performed site inspections throughout construction process from roofing to commissioning while signing off on all EPC contract milestones prior to payment.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.

Manager

Bright Power, INC
01.2017 - 03.2018

Managed over 20MW of operational solar assets

  • Led team of 6 employees
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to streamline operational processes
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided regular feedback to enhance employee development and productivity
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial reporting, managing annual budget with focus on cost control and resource optimization
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and improve overall customer satisfaction
  • Performed field services for all roofing and PV requirements.
  • Implemented ticketing system to assist REITS with simplified reporting procedures.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed portfolio expectations.

Cellar Master

Robert Mondavi/Stags Leap Winery
01.2000 - 01.2017
  • Managed all aspects of winery cellar operations, including grape reception, fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling processes
  • Developed and maintained cellar protocols and procedures to ensure highest quality of wine production and compliance with industry standards
  • Implemented rigorous cellar inventory system to track wine storage, aging, and bottling schedules, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings
  • Led team of cellar workers in day-to-day operations, providing training and guidance to ensure smooth and productive workflow
  • Collaborated with winemakers and viticulturists to assess grape quality and develop blending strategies to create distinctive and exceptional wines
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.

Education

High School Diploma -

Napa Valley College
Napa
01-2000

Skills

  • Leadership and Team Building
  • Project Management
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Financial Analysis and Budgeting
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Data Analytics and Performance Metrics
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Strategic Thinking and Vision
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Communication and Persuasion
  • Adaptability and Agility

Interests

An impassioned individual with immense creativity and a keen eye for innovation, I thrive in collaborative environments where thinking outside the box is not just encouraged but celebrated With a deep-rooted passion for the arts, including music, wine, and sports, I bring a unique perspective to every project I undertake My dedication to teamwork is matched only by my drive for entrepreneurial endeavors, as I continuously seek new opportunities to challenge myself and others Direct and driven, I approach each task with excessive ambition, always striving for excellence and pushing boundaries to achieve success My commitment to both personal and professional growth, combined with my unwavering enthusiasm for fostering creativity, make me an invaluable asset to any team or project

Certification

NABCEP PV NABCEP January 2022


EPC Management EUCI February 2024


PV Design Everblue


PV Inspector Everblue


PV Installer Everblue


Part 107 - Drone Pilot

Software

Also Energy
Hub Spot
Smartsheet
Microsoft Office

Adobe Suite

Energy Tool Base

Yardi

MobiWork

Timeline

Vice President

Blue Sky Utility
11.2023 - Current

Director

Blue Sky Utility
03.2018 - 11.2023

Manager

Bright Power, INC
01.2017 - 03.2018

Cellar Master

Robert Mondavi/Stags Leap Winery
01.2000 - 01.2017

High School Diploma -

Napa Valley College

NABCEP PV NABCEP January 2022


EPC Management EUCI February 2024


PV Design Everblue


PV Inspector Everblue


PV Installer Everblue


Part 107 - Drone Pilot

John Ruiz