Operations Manager - Water Treatment Facilities

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with incentives

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid work within Vereeniging area

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee multiple water treatment plants in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role blends on-site leadership with remote/central-office planning, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across the region.

The ideal candidate will have a chemical engineering or environmental science background, 5+ years in operations management, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and familiarity with SCADA and SA environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in operations management within water/wastewater sector.
• Experience budgeting and managing operational teams.
• Knowledge of coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, filtration.
• Knowledge of SA environmental legislation and water quality standards.
• Willingness to travel within the operational region; valid driver’s license.
• Water Care Practitioner certification is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of water and wastewater plants.
• Develop and monitor operational budgets; identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead, train, and supervise operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and safety standards.
• Oversee maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Monitor water quality and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement SOPs for all plant processes.
• Manage relationships with regulators, suppliers, and contractors.
• Plan and execute capital improvement projects.
• Report performance, efficiency, and compliance to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

SCADA experience

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Diploma/degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Science

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of essential water and wastewater treatment services, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to oversee their facilities in the Vereeniging, Gauteng area. This hybrid role involves significant on-site management responsibilities combined with strategic planning and administrative duties conducted remotely or from a central office. The Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of multiple water treatment plants, managing budgets, leading operational teams, and implementing best practices in water resource management. This is a vital position requiring strong leadership, technical understanding of water treatment processes, and a commitment to public health and environmental stewardship within the Vereeniging region. The role demands a hands-on approach coupled with strategic oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of water and wastewater treatment plants, ensuring optimal performance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of plant operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant environmental regulations, permits, and safety standards.
• Oversee maintenance programs for plant equipment and infrastructure to minimize downtime.
• Monitor water quality parameters and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all plant processes.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and contractors.
• Participate in the planning and execution of capital improvement projects for treatment facilities.
• Report on plant performance, operational efficiency, and compliance to senior management.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within the water or wastewater treatment industry.
• Proven track record in managing budgets and operational teams.
• Thorough understanding of water treatment processes (e.g., coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, filtration).
• In-depth knowledge of relevant South African environmental legislation and water quality standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with SCADA systems and process control is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site operational settings and for remote administrative tasks.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the operational region.
• Certification as a Water Care Practitioner (or equivalent) is a strong advantage.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the importance and responsibility of this role. This includes a strong base salary, performance incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.

• The hybrid nature of the role allows for a flexible work arrangement within the operational area of Vereeniging, Gauteng .
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, further training, and career advancement within a reputable organization dedicated to providing essential public services.
• Join a committed team focused on ensuring the quality and sustainability of water resources.