Operations Manager (Energy-from-Waste Plant)

Octomate; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A staffing agency specializing in energy and utilities is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead an Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plant in Singapore. The successful candidate will ensure effective plant operations, staff management, and compliance with environmental regulations while driving continuous improvement. The role requires strong leadership skills and at least 8–10 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in power generation or waste‑to‑energy operations.
• Proven track record in leading plant operations in a 24/7 environment.
• Strong knowledge of incineration processes and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily EfW plant operations and manage compliance with regulations.
• Oversee staff training and development for operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Operational troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Engineering or Operations (Chemical, Mechanical, Energy or related fields)

Tools

Process optimisation tools (FMEA, RCM, predictive maintenance)

Job description

Operations Manager (Energy-from-Waste Plant)

This role leads the full operations of an Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plant, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient incineration processes while optimising steam generation and maintaining strict compliance with regulatory, environmental, and security standards. The Operations Manager drives performance in a 24/7 plant environment, leads multidisciplinary teams, and steers continuous improvement to support business sustainability and long‑term growth.

Purpose & Scope

Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient incineration processes, optimise steam generation, manage waste handling, and maintain compliance with all relevant regulations, environmental, and security standards.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Plant Operations Management

• Lead and oversee all daily EfW plant operations, including waste nomination planning, waste bunker management, incineration, steam generation, and ash handling.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient steam export in accordance with customer agreements.
• Maintain round‑the‑clock operational readiness and promptly escalates abnormalities.

2. Safety, Health, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with NEA, MOM, SCDF, PUB, and all relevant authority regulations.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to workplace safety, process safety, and environmental standards.
• Oversee environmental performance metrics, including stack emissions, CO₂e intensity, ash and residue handling, wastewater, noise, and dust management.
• Support external audits, inspections, and licensing requirements to maintain the plant’s licence to operate.

3. Security Management

• Oversee and lead site security operations, including access control, CCTV systems, contractor/visitor management, patrol routines, and emergency/security protocols.
• Ensure plant safeguarding measures are robust and compliant with company and regulatory requirements.

4. Continuous Improvement & Technical Excellence

• Drive process optimisation initiatives using methodologies such as FMEA, RCM, predictive maintenance, and digital monitoring tools.
• Lead troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, reliability improvements, and efficiency enhancement efforts.
• Stay updated on new technologies and propose improvements to enhance operational performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

5. Leadership & People Development

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary operations team comprising boardmen, shift engineers, technicians, and security personnel.
• Foster a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Provide coaching, competency development, and performance management to build a high‑performing workforce.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for steam customers, utilities providers, regulators, and internal cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain strong communication channels to align operational delivery with customer requirements and company objectives.
• Manage expectations and provide timely updates on plant performance, safety matters, and operational issues.

7. Strategy, Budget & Resource Planning

• Manage departmental resources, OPEX/CAPEX planning, and budget allocation to support operational and business priorities.
• Contribute to annual and long‑term business strategies, including performance forecasting, project feasibility assessments, and resource planning.
• Take proactive measures to address performance gaps, operational risks, and HSSE non‑compliances.

8. Other Responsibilities

• Support company initiatives, cross‑departmental projects, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Perform any other duties assigned to support overall plant performance and business objectives.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education & Experience

• Degree in Engineering or Operations (Chemical, Mechanical, Energy, or related fields preferred).
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in power generation, utilities, waste‑to‑energy, or similar continuous‑process plant operations.
• Proven track record in leading plant operations, reliability management, and multidisciplinary teams in a 24/7 environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of incineration processes, steam cycle operations, and environmental compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with NEA licensing requirements, emissions monitoring systems, and carbon tax regulations.
• Understanding of operational risk management, process safety, and HSSE best practices.
• Experience with process optimisation tools (FMEA, RCM, predictive maintenance, digital monitoring).

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong people leadership with the ability to develop, motivate, and manage diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Analytical, solution‑oriented, and highly effective in operational troubleshooting.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan, prioritise, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive mindset with strong adaptability to new technologies and sustainable innovation.

Please note: This is a client role managed by Octomate Staffing Pte Ltd.

Recruitment services are provided by Octomate Staffing Pte Ltd.

EA Licence No.: 23C1980

EA Personnel: Zachary Ng (Registration No.: R1875657)