Hydroelectric Power Plant Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Relocation assistance

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Career advancement

Advanced training

Critical infrastructure role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Hydroelectric Power Plant Manager for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees operations, safety, and reliability, leading engineers, technicians, and operators on-site to ensure continuous and compliant energy production.

You will develop budgets, drive performance improvements, maintain asset integrity, coordinate with regulators and grid operators, and champion a culture of safety and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; Master’s degree or PMP is a plus.
• 10+ years in power plant operations with 5+ years in management in hydroelectric sector.
• Experience managing complex budgets and large technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of hydroelectric turbine/generator technologies, dam safety, and water management.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of hydroelectric power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Manage and develop the plant's operational and maintenance teams, ensuring high levels of performance and morale.
• Develop and implement annual operating budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all national and local environmental regulations, safety standards, and operational permits.
• Monitor plant performance, identify deviations from targets, and implement corrective actions to optimize energy output and efficiency.
• Develop and manage long-term maintenance plans, including preventative and corrective maintenance strategies.
• Oversee capital improvement projects and upgrades to plant equipment and infrastructure.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, grid operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth plant operation and grid integration.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring all activities are conducted with the utmost regard for personnel and environmental safety.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Maintenance planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Civil Engineering

Master's degree

PMP certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in South Africa's energy infrastructure, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Hydroelectric Power Plant Manager to oversee operations at their key facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable generation of electricity from the hydroelectric plant, adhering to all environmental and regulatory standards. The Plant Manager will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and operational staff, fostering a culture of safety, performance excellence, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, exceptional management skills, and a deep commitment to sustainable energy production. The role demands full-time presence at the plant site, interacting directly with staff and managing on-site operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of hydroelectric power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Manage and develop the plant's operational and maintenance teams, ensuring high levels of performance and morale.
• Develop and implement annual operating budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all national and local environmental regulations, safety standards, and operational permits.
• Monitor plant performance, identify deviations from targets, and implement corrective actions to optimize energy output and efficiency.
• Develop and manage long-term maintenance plans, including preventative and corrective maintenance strategies.
• Oversee capital improvement projects and upgrades to plant equipment and infrastructure.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, grid operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth plant operation and grid integration.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring all activities are conducted with the utmost regard for personnel and environmental safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree or PMP certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role within the hydroelectric sector.
• Proven experience in managing complex operational budgets and leading large technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of hydroelectric turbine and generator technologies, dam safety, and water management principles.
• Strong understanding of power system operations, grid codes, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with asset management and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.
• Must be willing to reside in or commute to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Company-provided vehicle or travel allowance.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading energy company.
• Access to advanced training and professional development programs.
• Work in a critical infrastructure role contributing to national energy security.