Plant Manager (Mooiplaats)

EDF power solutions South Africa; Noupoort, Middelburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in South Africa is looking for a Plant Manager to oversee the operations of the 240 MWp Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on operations and maintenance, with a strong understanding of electrical infrastructure. This role offers a unique opportunity to play a significant part in South Africa's transition to clean energy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in energy sector operations and maintenance, preferably with renewables.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical infrastructure.
• Experience in solar operations and maintenance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations and maintenance of Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant.
• Oversee operation and maintenance contractors.
• Ensure compliance with project agreements and legal requirements.

Skills

Strong commercial judgment

Technical acumen

Problem-solving ability

Proficiency in Microsoft 365

Excellent communication skills

Leadership and conflict management

Education

Minimum National Diploma (NQF 6)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

About EDF Renewables South Africa

EDF Renewables, established in 2011, is a fully integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) that develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy facilities across Sub-Saharan Africa. With offices in Cape Town and Gqeberha, EDF Renewables currently operates 4 wind farms (140 MW) and manages a development pipeline of more than 3 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects. With over 1 GW of projects under construction between 2023–2025, EDF Renewables is driving sustainable growth in South Africa’s clean energy transition.

The Project

The Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant is a 240 MWp project under construction near Middelburg, Eastern Cape, forming part of the Koruson 2 Cluster alongside the Umsovumbo and Hartebeeshoek wind farms. The project will connect to the Eskom grid via the IPP substation and Kuroson MTS, with COD expected in December 2025.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled Plant Manager to lead the safe and efficient operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant post-COD. This role ensures full compliance with project agreements, oversees the O&M contractor, manages legal appointments, and drives plant performance through robust systems, strategies, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day O&M of the Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant, ensuring compliance with all project agreements
• Oversee O&M contractors and ensure adherence to global best practices
• Take accountability for plant health, including preventive and corrective maintenance strategies
• Ensure compliance with OHS Act, SAGC, Network Code, and other transmission codes
• Lead and mentor on-site staff, ensuring training, competence, and productivity
• Implement and manage CMMS systems, SOPs, and quality control processes
• Manage the O&M budget, spares, warranties, and subcontractors
• Ensure KPI targets (availability, MTTR, MTBF, failure response, etc.) are achieved
• Foster strong landowner and stakeholder relationships
• Act as legally appointed representative under SHEQ and GMR regulations

What You’ll Need

Qualifications:

• Minimum National Diploma (NQF 6) in a related field
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar

Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in energy sector O&M, with renewables and storage preferred
• Extensive knowledge of electrical infrastructure, substations, and overhead lines
• Experience in solar O&M (advantageous)
• Proven track record in managing large, diverse on-site teams

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commercial judgment, technical acumen, and problem-solving ability
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; fluency in English required
• Leadership, conflict management, and mentoring experience
• Willingness to travel regularly in rural areas and hold a valid driver’s licence

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead operations of a flagship 240 MWp solar project and play a central role in South Africa’s clean energy transition.

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