Operations Manager (Energy-from-Waste Plant)

Octomate Staffing Pte. Ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A staffing agency in Singapore is seeking an Operations Manager for an Energy-from-Waste plant. This role involves leading plant operations, ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental standards, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic 24/7 environment. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Engineering and at least 8-10 years of relevant experience. The position focuses on operational efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in power generation or similar.
• Proven track record in leading plant operations.
• Strong knowledge of incineration processes and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all daily EfW plant operations.
• Ensure compliance with NEA and other regulations.
• Drive process optimisation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or Operations

Tools

FMEA

RCM

Job description

Purpose & Scope

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.

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 escalate abnormalities promptly.

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)