Head of Operations & Maintenance

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

nGAGE Talent Limited is seeking a seasoned Head of Operations & Maintenance to establish and lead a growing O&M division for a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy assets. You will develop the operating model, implement best-practice maintenance strategies and create the systems, processes and culture for scalable growth.

The role demands strong technical credibility, commercial acumen and leadership to deliver asset reliability, financial performance and continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience leading O&M functions within the renewable energy sector.
• Proven success managing utility-scale Solar PV, Wind and/or BESS assets.
• Experience building maintenance frameworks and operational systems from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build a high-performing O&M division and operating model.
• Oversee operation and maintenance across solar, wind and BESS assets to maximise availability and production.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies, KPI dashboards and asset management frameworks.
• Own divisional budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
• Lead geographically dispersed teams and drive safety, governance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

P&L responsibility

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree or Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Renewable Energy

Job description

Lead the Performance of Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Assets

A leading renewable energy business is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Operations & Maintenance to establish and lead a growing O&M division responsible for the long-term performance of a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy assets.

This is a rare opportunity to build an O&M function from the ground up-developing the operating model, implementing best-practice maintenance strategies, and creating the systems, processes and culture that will support the next phase of the company's growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the executive leadership team, you'll have full responsibility for operational performance, asset reliability, financial delivery and the continued development of a high-performing technical organisation.

This is a highly autonomous leadership role suited to an experienced O&M professional who combines strong technical credibility with commercial acumen and a passion for building scalable businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Division Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing Operations & Maintenance division.
• Develop the division's operating model, governance framework and operational standards.
• Establish a culture of accountability, safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Support business growth through the development of scalable O&M capabilities.

Operations & Asset Performance

• Lead the operation and maintenance of a portfolio of utility-scale Solar PV, Wind and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) assets.
• Maximise plant availability, reliability and energy production.
• Develop and implement preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance strategies.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with OEM requirements, grid codes and contractual performance obligations.

Process Improvement & Asset Management

• Develop maintenance procedures, operational standards and asset management frameworks.
• Implement KPI dashboards and performance reporting systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency and cost optimisation.
• Introduce best-practice maintenance planning and operational processes.

Commercial & Financial Leadership

• Take full ownership of divisional budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
• Manage profit and loss while delivering operational and commercial targets.
• Identify opportunities to optimise operating costs without compromising safety or performance.
• Support supplier management, contract negotiations and procurement activities.

People Leadership

• Recruit, mentor and develop multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Lead site managers, engineers, technicians and contractors across multiple locations.
• Build succession plans and create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous development.

HSE & Compliance

• Champion a world-class Health, Safety and Environmental culture.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory, contractual and company requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and implement preventative improvement initiatives.
• Drive contractor compliance and operational governance across all sites.

About You

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience leading Operations & Maintenance functions within the renewable energy sector.
• Proven success managing utility-scale Solar PV, Wind and/or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) assets.
• Demonstrated experience building operational systems, maintenance frameworks and management processes from the ground up.
• Strong commercial and financial management capability, including P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed operations and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why Apply?

• Build and lead a strategically important Operations & Maintenance business.
• Work across a growing portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy assets.
• Influence business strategy and operational standards from day one.
• Join an organisation with ambitious long-term growth plans.
• Attractive executive remuneration package with genuine long-term career progression.

If you're passionate about operational excellence, asset performance and building high-performing teams, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.