Plant Manager - Renewables

Energy Africa Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy sector is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee operations and maintenance of a power generating facility in Durban. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards while fostering a high-performance team environment. Responsibilities include strategic planning, performance management, and stakeholder engagement. This role requires extensive experience in the power plant sector and strong leadership skills to drive operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 12 years' experience in a power plant environment, with 5 years in a managerial role.
• Knowledge of Gas Turbine operation (Siemens v94.2 or Ansaldo units preferred).

Responsibilities

• Accountable for day-to-day operation and maintenance of the power generating facility.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide leadership through workforce planning and training.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Operational Skills

Delegation

Education

B-Tech / University Degree in Engineering

Tools

Business Computing Applications

ERP systems like Maximo/SAP

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Performance Areas (KPAs): Senior level manager accountable for all aspects of the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the power generating facility. Ensure the entire plant is within corporate goals of safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance. Ensure the safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors of the plant. Administer the plant's Safety, Operations, Maintenance, and Compliance to necessary transmission codes (OSH Act, SAGC, Network code, etc.).

Ensure the plant meets all goals for Plant Availability, Plant Reliability, Financial budget, and other targets & goals as agreed within the Performance Contract. Ensure the plant is operated and maintained in compliance with all project agreements including the PPA, O&M, LTMC, TXA, SAGC, FSA & FTA. Take accountability for long-term plant health by developing and implementing strategies and actions. Direct O&M Managers in plant outages, capital projects, and daily operations and maintenance activities. Implement procedures, rules, and systems to operate safely with optimum efficiency, availability, and reliability, in accordance with the PPA, standards of a Reasonable and Prudent Operator, and all applicable laws and regulations. Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to ensure their validity and relevance. Ensure thorough investigation of incidents, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions. Collaborate with Human Resources to establish staffing requirements, ensure staff training, competence, and productivity.

Create a high-performance team environment and culture. Ensure BBBEE & gender diversity targets are met or plans are in place. Support organizational culture that encourages employee involvement, innovation, adaptability, responsible risk-taking, and continuous improvement. Provide leadership through workforce planning, succession planning, and training. Provide regular performance feedback to employees. Support the Owner in meeting project obligations. Report regularly to the CEO, management team, Owner Company, and other stakeholders. Foster good relationships with stakeholders, local groups, and communities. Establish long-term strategic plans for maintenance, obsolescence, compliance testing, and infrastructure projects.

Desired Experience & Qualifications: B-Tech / University Degree in Engineering or equivalent, preferably Mechanical or Electrical. Relevant management qualification is advantageous. Skills in Business Computing Applications (databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, ERP systems like Maximo/SAP). 12 years' experience in a power plant environment, with 5 years in a managerial role. Knowledge of Gas Turbine operation (Siemens v94.2 or Ansaldo units preferred). Technical and behavioral competencies include database knowledge, experience in greenfield setups, understanding of South African market practices, multicultural work environment, delegation, communication, leadership, and operational skills. Ability to work autonomously, prioritize, and make decisions, with a focus on results and high ethics standards.