Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Executive compensation package

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager for the flagship facility near Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will oversee safe, reliable operation and maintenance, lead engineers, technicians and operators, and ensure plant performance meets targets.

The role requires deep hydropower knowledge, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. You will drive O&M strategies, regulatory compliance, and capital projects while sustaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in power plant operations, 5+ years in supervisory/management roles in hydropower.
• Deep knowledge of hydro turbine and generator technologies, control systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Experience managing O&M budgets, safety programs, and environmental compliance.
• Strong understanding of grid operations and power market dynamics.
• Proven leadership, team-building and communication skills.
• Experience with outage management and major equipment overhauls.
• Proficiency in plant management software and systems.
• P.Eng. or equivalent designation is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day operations and maintenance activities of the hydropower plant.
• Develop, implement, and enforce operational policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Ensure the plant operates within environmental permits and regulatory compliance limits.
• Oversee the planning and execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of plant personnel.
• Manage the plant's operational budget effectively, identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and implement strategies for efficiency improvement and reliability enhancement.
• Oversee major repair projects and capital expenditure initiatives.
• Ensure robust emergency preparedness and response plans are in place and regularly tested.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, internal stakeholders, and external contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Grid operations

Outage management

Problem solving

Safety programs

Environmental compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Plant management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major independent power producer with a portfolio of diverse energy assets, is seeking a highly experienced Hydro Power Plant Operations Manager to oversee their flagship facility near **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This senior leadership position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and maintenance of the hydroelectric power generation facilities. The Operations Manager will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and operators, ensuring all aspects of plant performance meet or exceed targets. Success requires a strong background in hydropower operations, deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, and exceptional leadership and management skills. This is a pivotal role in ensuring consistent energy supply from a key renewable resource in **Gauteng**. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a proven track record of operational excellence and a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Your leadership will be crucial for the long-term success of this vital asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day operations and maintenance activities of the hydropower plant.


• Develop, implement, and enforce operational policies, procedures, and safety protocols.


• Ensure the plant operates within environmental permits and regulatory compliance limits.


• Oversee the planning and execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities.


• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of plant personnel.


• Manage the plant's operational budget effectively, identifying cost-saving opportunities.


• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and implement strategies for efficiency improvement and reliability enhancement.


• Oversee major repair projects and capital expenditure initiatives.


• Ensure robust emergency preparedness and response plans are in place and regularly tested.


• Liaise with regulatory bodies, internal stakeholders, and external contractors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.


• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role within the hydropower sector.


• In-depth knowledge of hydroelectric turbine and generator technologies, control systems, and auxiliary equipment.


• Proven experience in managing O&M budgets, safety programs, and environmental compliance.


• Strong understanding of grid operations and power market dynamics.


• Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical operations and problem-solve effectively.


• Experience with outage management and major equipment overhauls.


• Proficiency in relevant plant management software and systems.


• P.Eng. or equivalent professional engineering designation is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, performance bonus, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and relocation assistance. This position offers the opportunity to lead a critical energy asset in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**, and make a significant impact on **South Africa's** energy landscape. Join a reputable company that prioritizes safety, operational excellence, and employee development.