Plant Manager

Confidential; Negeri Sembilan; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee the Waste-to-Energy plant operations from commissioning to performance optimisation. The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance and efficient energy generation, aligned with Malaysia's clean energy goals.

The incumbent will provide strategic leadership across operations, maintenance, and support functions, drive cost controls and budget adherence, and lead workforce planning to sustain a capable operations team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical or process engineering from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in power generation, thermal or renewable energy operations.
• At least 5 years in managerial or supervisory role in WTE/biomass/thermal power plants.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure safe, reliable and efficient plant operation.
• Oversee annual operating plans, budgets and performance targets, with corrective actions.
• Ensure full compliance with QHSE standards, DOE, SWCorp and other regulations.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment and competency development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional leadership

Education

BEng in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Process

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee the full spectrum of plant operations, from commissioning to continuous performance optimisation, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant energy generation in support of Malaysia's clean energy goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Leadership, Strategy & Planning

Focused on leading people, aligning operational direction with corporate goals, and ensuring continuous improvement.

1. Provide strategic leadership and direction to all plant personnel to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plant, including coordination across operations, maintenance, and support functions.
2. Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational plans, ensuring alignment of team goals with organizational targets.
3. Oversee the development and execution of annual operating plans, budgets, and performance targets while monitoring progress and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
4. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant reliability, process efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

B. Regulatory, Safety & Compliance

Encompasses compliance with ISO standards, DOE, SWCorp, and occupational safety regulations.

1. Ensure full compliance with all QHSE standards, DOE and SWCorp regulations, and other relevant statutory requirements.
2. Cultivate a strong safety culture through proactive leadership, risk management, and enforcement of zero-LTI (Lost Time Injury) commitment.
3. Act as the key representative of the plant in dealings with regulatory authorities, clients, corporate management, and local stakeholders.
4. Build and maintain constructive relationships with government agencies (DOE, SWCorp, JPSPN, TNB), local councils, and technical partners/OEMs.

C. Financial, Operational & Resource Management

Focused on cost control, budgeting, and resource optimization to ensure operational efficiency.

1. Manage plant operational and maintenance budgets to achieve financial efficiency and accountability.
2. Control key operational cost drivers, including energy, chemical consumption, and waste handling, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
3. Review and endorse major expenditures, maintenance programs, and procurement activities in line with corporate policies and approval limits.
4. Monitor plant performance through regular review of operational data and KPI dashboards, ensuring timely identification and resolution of performance gaps.

D. Human Capital & Organizational Development

Focused on workforce management, competency building and team culture.

1. Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and competency development to maintain a capable and motivated operations team.
2. Promote teamwork, accountability, and professional discipline to strengthen overall plant culture and staff retention

REQUIREMENTS:

1) Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Process Engineering from a

recognised institution.

2) Possession of a 1st and 2nd Class Steam Engineer Certificate (DOSH-registered) is mandatory.

3) Additional qualification in Energy Management, Environmental Engineering, or Industrial Safety will be an added advantage.

4)Technical Mastery:

a) Solid knowledge of engineering practices, thermal processes, and power/WtE plant operations.

b) Strong leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams across operations, maintenance, and ESH.

c) Well-versed in DOE, DOSH, SWCorp, and JPSPN compliance requirements.

d) Proficient in English and Bahasa Malaysia; able to communicate effectively with teams, contractors, and regulators.

e) Experienced in environmental control and monitoring systems (eSWIS, CEMS, OER, waste management).

f) Skilled in risk management, HIRADC, emergency response, and ISO 9001/14001/45001 standards.

g) Financially astute with experience in budgeting, cost control, and plant performance tracking.

5) Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in power generation, thermal process,

or renewable energy operations, including at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory

capacity in a Waste-to-Energy, biomass, or thermal power plant environment.