Operational and Technical Support Lead

SCATEC; Upington; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Join SCATEC as an Operational and Technical Support Lead in Upington, South Africa. You'll drive operational excellence and financial management while supporting a diverse team in the renewable energy sector. This position involves strategic planning, compliance oversight, and innovation to enhance organizational goals. Become part of a dynamic and international working environment aiming to improve our future.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in O&M, operations coordination, or mobilization roles, with exposure to renewable energy projects.
• Proficiency in digital tools for predictive maintenance and reporting.
• Compliance with safety regulations and international standards.

Responsibilities

• Support O&M operations ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Monitor and report on financial performance and operational risks.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and operational readiness during mobilization phases.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Education

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering

BTech in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Digital tools for predictive maintenance

Data analytics tools

Job description

Overview

Want to join a frontrunner in renewable energy that is actively seeking early entry into new markets globally? Since the establishment in 2007, Scatec has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in developing, building and operating solar, wind and hydro power plants and storage solutions. Driven by our company values and competent global workforce, we aim to deliver competitive and sustainable renewable energy globally; protect our environment and improve quality of life through innovative integration of technology; and create shareholder value. We are present on four continents and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.Main purpose of the position

Currently we are looking for an Operational and Technical Support Leadin Upington, South Africa to be part of our global team working together towards our vision –Improving our future. As our Operational and Technical Support Lead you will deliver comprehensive operational, financial, and compliance support while advancing innovative solutions that align with the company’s long-term objectives. This role serves as a critical support function to the O&M Manager SSA, ensuring the effective execution of strategic, financial, and operational priorities. The Operational and Technical Support Lead will play a key role in driving operational excellence, ensuring profitability, and integrating advanced methodologies to maintain and enhance efficiency across O&M Field Services SSA.

Additionally, this role will support the legal appointee in fulfilling all contractual, financial, and regulatory obligations.

Main Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight and Compliance: Support O&M operations across the region, ensuring alignment with the company’s evolving operational and sustainability objectives
• Ensure operational excellence by implementing best practices, optimizing processes, and driving performance improvements across all projects
• Monitor and report compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations, addressing operational risks and gaps proactively
• Collaborate with HSSE, technical, and legal teams to ensure alignment with safety and regulatory frameworks
• Develop and deploy maintenance and operational frameworks to optimize asset performance and reliability while controlling costs
• Develop a good working environment and build a motivated O&M team
• Financial Management (OPEX and CAPEX): Support the management and tracking of OPEX and CAPEX budgets for both existing projects and new builds
• Financial analysis to assess the profitability and sustainability of O&M activities, providing actionable insights for decision-making
• Ensuring financial processes adhere to company policies and project-specific requirements, with a focus on long-term cost optimization
• Innovation and Strategic Development: Lead the evaluation and implementation of operational improvement frameworks to enhance profitability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deploy advanced methodologies for predictive maintenance, resource optimization, and cost management
• Drive the integration of innovative practices into day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with the company’s high-level strategic goals
• Focus on strategic O&M Asset Management to maximize the value and performance of assets across the portfolio
• Pre-Mobilsation: Define operational and compliance requirements for new build projects, ensuring alignment with innovative and sustainable practices
• Collaborate with EPC and Asset Support teams to ensure project readiness for seamless operational handover
• Mobilisation: Oversee resource planning, recruitment, and training to prepare teams for new operations
• Monitor commissioning phases and operational readiness activities, ensuring alignment with operational improvement frameworks
• Conduct post-mobilisation reviews to optimize processes and incorporate lessons learned into future projects

Qualifications and competencies

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• Ideal: BTech in Electrical Engineering with certifications in Asset Management or Project Management (e.g., PMP)
• 5+ years of experience in O&M, operations coordination, or mobilisation roles, with exposure to renewable energy projects
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
• Monitor financial risks, including budget overruns, cost inefficiencies, and financial non-compliance.
• Familiarity with advanced maintenance methodologies and operational optimization frameworks
• Experience in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Ensure alignment with international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) and company objectives
• Support in facilitating ongoing training and development initiatives to enhance team capabilities in implementing innovative practices
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by adopting industry best practices and leveraging lessons learned

Personal Characteristics

It is part of every employees’ terms of reference to contribute to Scatec's vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are:

• Predictable : demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritise and work independently
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiates and adjust
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude

For the particular role we also expect

• Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities, with experience in deploying advanced operational frameworks
• Advanced proficiency in digital tools for predictive maintenance, data analytics, and reporting
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Leadership and team management skills to effectively coordinate and motivate diverse teams
• Excellent judgement skills and high integrity
• Project management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and ensure timely delivery
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, conduct financial analysis, and optimize costs
• Technical proficiency in relevant engineering and operational systems
• Problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and implement effective solutions

Additional information:

• Based in Upington, South Africa
• Should be available and accustomed to travel as and when required
• Must be available to travel internationally as and when required
• Must be able to work extended hours
• Valid drivers’ license

We offerScatec is an exciting, innovative and ambitious company operating in a growing industry. We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference.

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law. All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence and business need.

Applications will be processed on a continuous basis.