Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Retirement fund

Leadership training

Relocation aid

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Operations Manager to lead a major power generation facility in Soweto, Gauteng. You will ensure safe, efficient operations, supervise a team of operators and technicians, and optimize plant performance while meeting regulatory requirements.

You will develop strategies to maximize uptime, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across maintenance, engineering and support functions in a high-impact energy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical) or related field.
• Master’s or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of power generation technologies and HSE requirements.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of power plant operations, including generation, maintenance coordination, and safety protocols.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize efficiency, reliability and uptime.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage budgets, control costs and identify efficiency improvements.
• Lead, motivate, and develop operators, technicians and supervisors.
• Monitor performance data, analyze trends and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering and support functions for seamless operation.
• Foster relationships with regulatory bodies, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the operations department.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

HSE compliance

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Operations optimization

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

MBA advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator within the South African **Energy** sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Operations Manager to oversee their power generation facility in **Soweto, Gauteng**. This leadership position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable day-to-day operation of the power plant, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with all regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in power plant operations, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of operational excellence principles. This is a critical role with significant responsibility, offering the chance to make a substantial impact on the region's energy supply. We are committed to operational integrity and are seeking a dedicated professional to lead our team in **Soweto, Gauteng**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of power plant operations, including generation, maintenance coordination, and safety protocols.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize plant efficiency, reliability, and uptime.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Monitor plant performance data, analyze trends, and implement corrective actions to optimize output.
• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and support departments to ensure seamless plant operation.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the operations department in **Soweto, Gauteng**.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical) or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record in managing complex operational environments and leading large teams.
• In-depth knowledge of power generation technologies, plant systems, and operational best practices.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and procedures within the **Energy** industry.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Financial acumen and experience in managing operational budgets.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and preferably reside in or near **Soweto, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• A competitive senior-level salary and attractive performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement fund and provident fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and executive leadership training.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• A high-impact leadership role within the vital **Energy** sector in **Soweto, Gauteng**.