Plant Manager (Solar PV)

The Talent Experts; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in South Africa seeks an experienced Operations & Maintenance leader to oversee the operations of a significant solar PV project. You will manage a skilled on-site team, ensuring safety and compliance while driving operational excellence and team development. With over ten years in the energy sector, you should possess a degree in Electrical Engineering and expertise in HV/MV infrastructure. This permanent role offers a chance to lead within a values-driven organization, shaping South Africa's energy future.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension contribution

Qualifications

• At least ten years of experience in the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of HV/MV infrastructure and substations.
• Proven leadership ability managing diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of a solar PV facility.
• Manage contractor performance and compliance oversight.
• Lead a dedicated on-site team for optimal plant availability.

Skills

Leadership

Contractor management

Budget management

Technical knowledge in solar PV

Safety compliance

Team building

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

The Opportunity

Lead the operations of a large-scale solar facility and play a key role in overseeing a landmark solar project within South Africa’s energy landscape.

Is this you?

You’re a seasoned O&M leader with a strong sense of accountability, a sharp commercial mind and deep technical knowledge. You’ve managed complex power generation assets, understand the demands of high-performance renewable operations, and have a deep respect for safety, quality, and compliance. You’re commercially sharp, confident managing contractors and budgets, and thrive on building capable, motivated teams.

What you’ll be doing (and why you’ll enjoy it)

You’ll take full responsibility for the operations and maintenance of a large-scale solar PV facility near Middelburg, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently, and in line with international best practices. This site represents one of South Africa’s most significant solar developments, a benchmark project that combines scale, technology, and impact.

Your day-to-day will involve overseeing all operational aspects, from contractor management and performance monitoring to maintenance planning and compliance oversight. You’ll lead a dedicated on-site team, ensuring optimal plant availability and reliability across HV/MV infrastructure, substations, and electrical balance of plant.

What makes this role rewarding is the opportunity to shape both performance and culture, building a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and mentoring future leaders. You’ll also play a key role in embedding a strong safety culture, ensuring environmental compliance, and maintaining productive relationships with landowners and stakeholders.

Where you’ll be doing it

This permanent position is based just outside of Middleburg in the Eastern Cape where you’ll be joining a forward-thinking, globally backed renewable energy company with a strong local presence and a growing footprint across Sub‑Saharan Africa. They’re known for technical excellence, a collaborative culture, and genuine investment in people. This is an opportunity to make your mark within a forward-thinking, values‑driven business that’s helping shape South Africa’s sustainable energy future.

What you’ll need

You’ll hold a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with at least ten years of experience in the energy sector, ideally with a focus on solar PV operations and maintenance. You’ll bring strong knowledge of HV/MV infrastructure, substations, and O&M best practices, and demonstrate proven leadership ability with experience managing diverse teams and contractors. You’ll also have a solid grasp of budgeting, reporting, and asset management systems, together with a commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence. Fluency in English and a valid driver’s licence are essential.

What you’ll get

Along with a competitive salary that includes a medical aid and pension contribution, you’ll be part of a growing company driving real change in the renewable energy space. You’ll have the opportunity to lead one of South Africa’s flagship renewable projects, shape operational excellence, and grow your leadership career within a values‑led, purpose‑driven organisation.

How to apply

For a confidential discussion please contact Roxanne Battistoni on [phone] or send your CV to [e-mail]

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