Plant Manager

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Plant Manager

Reports to: ENGIE Southern Africa Operations Director

Department: Operations and Maintenance

Business Unit: Renewable Global Business Unit: AMEA Region: South Africa Office

Period: Permanent Local Employment Contract

Contracted to: ENGIE Southern Africa Pty Ltd

Location: Northern Cape / Free State – ( Graspan & Grootspruit) - South Africa

CLOSING DATE: 23rd May 2025

PURPOSE

Ensure that the facility is managed and operated with optimum efficiency, availability, profitability and safety in accordance with the requirements of the power purchase agreement, good utility practice, all applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with all relevant agreement requirements. Develop, establish and ensure effective and efficient implementation of policies and standards for power plant operation and maintenance. The Plant Manager will be responsible for the day to day and long term management of the facility.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Health and Safety

• The Plant manager is fully responsible for Health and Safety of personnel, contractors and visitors on the site, at all times.
• Drives implementation of Engie's 5 safety behaviours
• Create awareness and implementation of Engie 9-lifesaving rules
• Coordinates Emergency Response on incidents and threats
• Manages the HSE personnel on site for implementation and monitoring of HSE performance
• Ensures site security is in place and functioning adequately to protect the asset and people.
• Works with local police and security companies to reduce crime risk at the asset.

Asset Performance

• Oversees the daily operation and maintenance of the asset, ensuring optimal availability and performance.
• Oversees and coordinates the work of the Operating and maintenance contractors/teams.
• Drives the return to service (RTS) of any plant and equipment resulting in loss of production.
• Drives the root cause analysis on any plant faults causing unwanted downtime.
• Identifies plant and operating cost optimization opportunities.
• Ensures grid code compliance (GCC) at all times.
• Where applicable, manages the maintenance and operation of owner's metrological stations.
• Ensures production forecasting is done as required under the PPA.
• Notifies the Buyer / CPA of any grid events and supports the relevant Deemed Energy Payment (DEP) claim compilation.
• Records and reports all insurable and claimable events.
• Reviews and monitors the plant spare parts inventory and works with contractors and/or procurement department to replenish spares.
• Ensures up to date maintenance schedules are in place and followed to ensure optimal availability and reliability.
• Ensure timely checking of monthly production tariff meter readings for invoicing to the Buyer.

Social, ED and Stakeholder Management

• The Plant manager is the company's primary representative in the local community and takes responsibility for stakeholder management in the local community and for implementation of the social and enterprise development programs.
• Where unions are present, lead open and clear communication with such unions and associations with assistance of the social team and others as necessary.
• Ensure development of a stakeholder map and associated mitigation plans which is reviewed on a frequent basis.
• Oversees the implementation of social and enterprise development programs - guided by the Social/ESG department.
• Supports the ED department to obtain information from contractors regarding ED compliance obligations.
• Identifies opportunities for ED optimization together with Social and ED teams.
• Interfaces with the local authorities as required regarding the project site and resources.
• Maintains a cordial relationship with the land owner and acts as the company representative on land related matters.
• Coordinates with neighbouring power plants and industries with regards to relevant issues.

Site, Water, Buildings and Roads

• The Plant manager is fully responsible for the overall site in terms of access, security and upkeep.
• Defines and manage the annual site, road and building maintenance activities.
• Manages the water supply and waste water removal from site.
• Coordinates contractors for the removal of waste and provision of utilities as required for the site operations.
• Recommends upgrades and improvements where needed to ensure safe ergonomic working conditions.
• Coordinates the site transport arrangements to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Reporting

• The Plant Manager ensures that performance on all of the areas of responsibility happens on a frequent basis as might be required by shareholders, lenders and other relevant stakeholders.
• Attends and oversee daily production meetings.
• Works with head office monitoring room to ensure optimal monitoring of asset performance.
• Coordinates with operator regarding any gaps in performance data.
• Reviews contractor reports and coordinates with monitoring room regarding accuracy. Ensures all reports are uploaded timeously.
• Provides inputs and manages all site related reports to ensure it is submitted on time and in good quality to the relevant stakeholder.
• Presents plant performance data on weekly and monthly calls to the AMEA regional group.
• Ensure incident reporting happens according to head-office requirements.

Budget and Procurement

• The Plant Manager controls the annual budget for the site and oversees all expenditure against this budget.
• Compiles the annual budget for site operating cost.
• Manages the procurement of all site related services and equipment with support from procurement department.
• Creates Purchase orders and coordinates timeous invoicing by suppliers.

People Management and Growth

• Manages the performance and growth of all site based personnel.
• Creates annual performance goals and targets.
• Manages underperforming resource with HR support.
• Drives recruitment of open positions with HR support.
• Plays an active leadership role on site guiding people to best practice.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Education

• University Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Relevant Management qualification (MDP).
• Professional registration with Engineering Council Of South Africa (ECSA).

Language

• Fluent in English (verbal and written skills).

Skills

• A minimum of 8 to 10 years’ experience in solar PV / Wind Operation & Plant Management.
• Relevant Management & Leadership Qualification and Experience (MDP).
• GMR2.1 Appointee.
• Demonstrated competence as a generalist in O&M Management.
• Knowledge and experience of PV inverter / Wind Turbine maintenance.
• Develop and Maintain budgets.
• Experience in management of commercial contracts.
• Use of safe systems of work.
• Use of computerized management system.
• Engineering concepts and principles.
• Interaction with purchasing, finance and accounting, maintenance and administration.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work autonomously and multi-task in times of complexity, uncertainty, variability.
• Ability to work within a team of members from varying cultural backgrounds and functional backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate and share knowledge with team.
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility, keep commitments and manage expectations.
• Ability to maintain high standards in terms of work quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to think conceptually, strategically and analytically.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and maintain self-control.
• Ability to adapt to new and diverse environments and changing contexts.
• Maintains high ethical standards and confidentiality where required.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Engie HQ, AMEA HQ and GBUs
• Support Teams (HR, IT, HSE, Finance)
• Project Companies, Operating Companies & Subsidiaries.

External

• Clients
• Land Owners
• Equipment & Technology Providers
• Grid Operators
• Consultants & Engineering Firms
• Project Stakeholders (sponsors, lenders, owners, environmental)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures.
• Behaves in a professional and responsible way.
• Lives the values of the Company.

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions.

Business Unit: GBU Renewables

Division: REN AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity: ENGIE Southern Africa (Proprietary) Limited

Professional Experience: Senior (experience >15 years)

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Utilities