Hybrid Plant Manager(Solar & BESS)

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

SET Recruitment Consultants is seeking a seasoned Hybrid Plant Manager to lead the operations and maintenance of a utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System near Upington, Northern Cape. The role emphasizes safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance while managing contractors and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will develop asset health strategies, oversee maintenance activities, manage CMMS and spare parts, and build a high-performing site team with

Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years’ technical experience in energy sector.
• Minimum 5 years’ renewable energy O&M experience.
• Experience with utility-scale Solar PV and/or BESS is highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of HV/MV systems, substations and SCADA/CMMS.
• Experience managing contractors and outsourced maintenance teams.
• GMR 2.1 Appointee experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations & Maintenance of a utility-scale Solar PV and BESS facility.
• Oversee outsourced O&M contractors to ensure contractual compliance and best practice.
• Ensure safe, efficient and reliable plant performance in line with requirements.
• Develop and implement long-term asset health, maintenance and reliability strategies.
• Manage planned and unplanned maintenance per OEM recommendations.
• Oversee high-voltage/medium-voltage procedures and safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and statutory requirements.
• Manage site outages, daily operations and maintenance activities.
• Administer plant documentation, reporting, compliance and quality systems.
• Manage CMMS, spare parts inventory and warranty processes.
• Coordinate specialist contractors for various services.
• Monitor plant KPIs including availability, MTTR, MTBF, MTTD.
• Prepare operational reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage site access, work permits and contractor performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing site team and staff development.
• Foster relationships with landowners and project stakeholders.
• Support commissioning, performance testing and handover to operations.
• Accept legal appointments under GMR where required.

Skills

Leadership

Electrical fault-finding

Stakeholder management

Safety compliance

Education

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

CMMS

MS Office 365

Job description

Hybrid Plant Manager – Renewable Energy (Hybrid Solar PV & BESS)

Location: Near Upington, Northern Cape (Site-Based)

Position Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Hybrid Plant Manager to lead the operations and maintenance of a utility-scale hybrid renewable energy facility comprising a utility scale Solar PV plant and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant while overseeing outsourced O&M contractors, driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximising long-term asset performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations & Maintenance of a utility-scale Solar PV and BESS facility.
• Oversee outsourced O&M contractors to ensure contractual compliance and industry best practice.
• Ensure safe, efficient and reliable plant performance in line with operational, technical and commercial requirements.
• Develop and implement long-term asset health, maintenance and reliability strategies.
• Manage planned and unplanned maintenance activities in accordance with OEM recommendations.
• Oversee high-voltage and medium-voltage operating procedures and plant safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental and statutory requirements.
• Manage site outages, daily operations and maintenance activities.
• Administer plant documentation, reporting, compliance and quality management systems.
• Manage CMMS, spare parts inventory and warranty processes.
• Coordinate specialist contractors for electrical, civil, environmental and waste management services.
• Monitor plant KPIs including availability, MTTR, MTBF, MTTD and response times.
• Prepare operational reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage site access, work permits and contractor performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing site team while supporting staff development and competency.
• Foster positive relationships with landowners and key project stakeholders.
• Support project commissioning, performance testing and handover into commercial operation.
• Accept legal appointments in accordance with the General Machinery Regulations (GMR) where required.

Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years’ technical experience within the energy sector.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in renewable energy operations and maintenance.
• Utility-scale Solar PV and/or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) experience highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of substations, HV/MV electrical systems and overhead line infrastructure.
• Extensive understanding of renewable energy O&M best practices.
• Experience managing contractors and outsourced maintenance teams.
• Experience as a GMR 2.1 Appointee will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of SCADA, Solar PV systems and BESS technologies will be beneficial.
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Strong Microsoft Office 365 skills.
• Valid driver's licence.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent electrical fault-finding and technical troubleshooting ability.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to safety, compliance and operational excellence.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong reporting, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

If you are an experienced renewable energy operations professional with a passion for leading utility-scale clean energy assets, we would like to hear from you.