Lead Solar Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training and development programs

Career advancement opportunities

Performance-based incentive plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee multiple solar farms in Upington, Northern Cape. The role blends on-site oversight with remote coordination to maximize energy generation, reliability, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

You will lead a team of technicians, manage budgets, and liaise with grid operators and regulators. A strong background in PV tech, SCADA, and HSE practices is essential for success in this leadership position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or related technical field)
• 7+ years in renewable energy with 4+ years in solar farm operations management
• Experience managing large-scale solar PV installations
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, inverters, transformers, and SCADA systems
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations in energy
• Proficiency in using O&M management software and monitoring tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel to solar farm sites within Upington and beyond

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day O&M of multiple solar farm sites
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize energy output and efficiency
• Lead technicians and support staff with coaching and performance reviews
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and contractual obligations
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA and address deviations promptly
• Plan and coordinate scheduled maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting
• Manage spare parts inventory, procurement and vendor relationships
• Develop and manage operational budgets and resource allocation
• Conduct site inspections and audits for safety and excellence
• Liaise with grid operators, regulators, and project developers

Skills

Leadership

Team management

SCADA systems

Problem solving

Communication

HSE knowledge

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Vendor relationships

Education

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Related technical field

Tools

SCADA software

O&M management software

Monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent developer and operator of solar energy infrastructure, is seeking a seasoned Lead Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee their expanding portfolio in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This critical role involves the comprehensive management of solar farm operations, ensuring maximum energy generation, plant reliability, and adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards. You will lead a team of site technicians and maintenance staff, leveraging your expertise in renewable energy systems and operational best practices. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership position in a vital sector, contributing to South Africa's renewable energy goals from the strategically important Upington, Northern Cape area. The role requires a blend of on-site presence for operational oversight and remote coordination with corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance (O&M) of multiple solar farm sites.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize energy output and system efficiency.
• Manage a team of technicians and support staff, providing leadership, training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental policies, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA systems and other monitoring tools, identifying and addressing any deviations or issues promptly.
• Plan and coordinate scheduled maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting activities.
• Manage spare parts inventory, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Develop and manage operational budgets and resource allocation.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure operational excellence and safety.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including grid operators, regulatory bodies, and project developers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, with at least 4 years in solar farm operations management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale solar PV installations.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, inverters, transformers, and SCADA systems.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations in the energy sector.
• Proficiency in using O&M management software and performance monitoring tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to various solar farm sites within the Upington, Northern Cape region and occasionally beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and an attractive retirement savings plan. We are committed to fostering employee growth through ongoing training, development programs, and opportunities for career advancement within the company. This role offers a unique chance to lead operations in a key renewable energy hub, contributing directly to sustainable development. The position is based in the vibrant region of Upington, Northern Cape , offering a unique lifestyle. Our client provides a supportive and dynamic work environment, promoting innovation and teamwork. A performance-based incentive plan is also part of the compensation structure.