Operations Manager - Power Plant

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company 2

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the safe, efficient operation of a major power generation facility in Welkom. You will direct daily plant activities, drive performance, and ensure environmental and safety compliance.

The role requires a mechanical or electrical engineering degree, 8+ years in power plant ops with 3+ in management, strong leadership, and budget oversight. You will lead a team and partner with maintenance to minimize downtime.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in power plant operations with leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• Strong knowledge of power generation tech and safety regulations.
• Proven ability to manage teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily power plant operations for maximum efficiency.
• Develop strategies to optimize performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance.
• Lead and mentor the operations team toward continuous improvement.
• Coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Operations leadership

Team management

Power generation knowledge

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client requires a results-oriented Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe operation of a key power generation facility in Welkom. This leadership position involves managing daily plant operations, ensuring optimal performance, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and effective team management. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, minimizing downtime, and controlling operational costs while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and output. This is a critical role for a seasoned professional passionate about the energy sector and committed to operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily power plant operations, ensuring maximum efficiency and output.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate with the maintenance department to minimize equipment downtime.
• Monitor plant performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of power generation technologies, control systems, and operational best practices.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and environmental regulations within the energy industry.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing teams and budgets in an industrial setting in Welkom.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a major energy company.