Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus structure

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement annuity with employer match

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager for its East London facility in the Eastern Cape. The role focuses on safe, efficient and reliable hydroelectric plant operation, maximizing output while meeting environmental and safety standards.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team of operators, maintenance staff and engineers, overseeing daily operations, maintenance planning and performance optimization. On-site presence in East London is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field is required.
• 7+ years in hydroelectric power plant operations and maintenance with 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Experience with hydro turbine technology, generator systems and water management.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and plant performance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily hydroelectric plant operations including water resource management and turbine operations.
• Develop and manage preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental regulations and policies.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and implement efficiency improvements.
• Lead, mentor and develop operators, technicians and engineers.
• Manage the plant budget and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with regulators, grid operators and suppliers.
• Maintain plant reliability, minimize downtime, and ensure power supply continuity.
• Oversee emergency response procedures and incident preparedness.
• Maintain detailed logs, records and performance reports.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Water management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading utility provider committed to diverse and sustainable energy generation, is seeking an experienced Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager to oversee operations at their key facility in East London, Eastern Cape . This vital role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the hydroelectric power plant, maximizing power output while adhering to strict environmental and safety standards. You will manage a team of operators, maintenance staff, and engineers, overseeing daily operations, maintenance planning, and performance optimization. This is a critical leadership position for an individual passionate about hydropower and its contribution to the region's energy needs. The role requires a consistent on-site presence in East London .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily hydroelectric power plant operations, including water resource management, turbine operations, and power generation.
• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive maintenance programs (preventive, predictive, and corrective) for all plant equipment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze operational data, and implement strategies to optimize efficiency and output.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Manage the plant's operational budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, grid operators, and suppliers.
• Oversee plant reliability and availability, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent power supply.
• Manage emergency response procedures and ensure preparedness for unforeseen events.
• Maintain detailed operational logs, records, and performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in the operations and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in hydro turbine technology, generator systems, and water management.
• Strong understanding of power plant safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication abilities.
• Experience with SCADA systems and plant performance monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of the South African electricity market and grid operations is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.
• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary, up to ZAR, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-driven annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan.
• Robust retirement annuity fund with significant employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in hydropower technology.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates moving to East London .
• Key role in ensuring reliable energy supply for the Eastern Cape region.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on safety and efficiency.
• Exposure to state-of-the-art hydropower operations and management practices.