Senior Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for a major power-generation facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role is on-site and leads engineers, technicians, and operators to ensure safe, efficient operations and target achievement.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in power plant operations, with 5+ in management, and proven expertise in gas/steam turbine technologies, safety, and compliance. Strong leadership and stakeholder liaison skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years in power plant operations with 5+ years in leadership.
• Proven experience managing complex energy operations and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the power generation facility ensuring safety and reliability.
• Develop strategies to meet production targets and performance standards.
• Lead and develop the operations team with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate maintenance planning with the maintenance department.
• Manage budgets, costs, and resource utilization.
• Lead incident investigations and apply lessons learned.

Skills

Leadership

Power plant operations

Regulatory compliance

Safety management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Plant monitoring software

ERP/CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading independent power producer in the Energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager for their key facility located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This critical on-site role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the power generation plant. The Senior Operations Manager will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and operators, ensuring optimal plant performance, adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations, and achievement of production targets. This position requires strong leadership, technical acumen in power generation technologies, and a commitment to operational excellence within the demanding South African Energy market. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining critical energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the power generation facility, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to meet production targets and performance standards.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor plant performance metrics, analyze deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution in coordination with the maintenance department.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and optimize resource utilization.
• Lead incident investigations and implement lessons learned to prevent recurrence.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal departments.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure all personnel adhere to safety protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in managing complex operations within the Energy industry, preferably power generation.
• Strong knowledge of power plant technologies (e.g., gas turbines, steam turbines, renewables).
• In-depth understanding of plant safety procedures, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements in South Africa.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Experience with performance monitoring and optimization tools.
• Proficiency in relevant operational management software and systems.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a substantial retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• Continuous professional development and career advancement opportunities are available within the growing South African Energy sector.
• Join a leading company committed to reliable and sustainable power generation.