Plant Manager (Waste Water)

Talent Evolution (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management company in Cape Town is seeking a Plant Manager (Waste Water) to oversee daily operations of the Faecal Sludge Management Facility. The ideal candidate must have at least 5 years of experience in wastewater management, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications in engineering or water treatment. Responsibilities include staff management, performance monitoring, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in management of wastewater treatment.
• Background in water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience in staff management and client relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations and maintenance.
• Implement effective control and reporting systems.
• Monitor plant performance and compliance.
• Compile monthly progress reports.
• Lead and develop plant staff.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Client service excellence

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Financial acumen

Ethics and compliance

Education

Technical Diploma in Water Treatment or Engineering

DWS Class V Process Controller certification

Job description

Plant Manager (Waste Water) required in Cape Town.

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and overall management of the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) Facility.

The role ensures that all contractual, operational, and compliance obligations are met efficiently and effectively, maintaining high performance standards, client satisfaction, and environmental compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all daily plant operations, maintenance activities, and staff scheduling, ensuring smooth shift transitions and handovers.
• Implement effective administrative, control, and reporting systems to meet operational performance targets.
• Optimise financial and material resources by managing budgets and applying cost-control measures.
• Monitor plant performance, including quality control, equipment efficiency, and compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date operational and maintenance records, ensuring full traceability and accountability.
• Compile and submit detailed monthly plant progress and performance reports.
• Ensure consistent client communication, professional service delivery, and adherence to contractual requirements.
• Drive continual improvement in plant performance and efficiency through strategic planning and data-driven decision-making.
• Manage and maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 18001 systems, ensuring procedures and training align with compliance standards.
• Lead, motivate, and develop plant staff to achieve operational objectives and maintain a culture of performance excellence.
• Conduct client meetings, performance reviews, and audits to ensure compliance with all operational and environmental obligations.

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Technical Diploma or equivalent qualification in Water Treatment, Civil, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.
• DWS Class V Process Controller certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in the operation, maintenance, and management of a Class B or higher wastewater treatment works.
• Strong background in water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Demonstrated experience in staff management, client liaison, and performance monitoring.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Goal-oriented with a strong focus on client service excellence.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of computer literacy (MS Office, PowerPoint, Outlook, and data management systems).
• Financial acumen with experience managing operational budgets.
• Strict adherence to business ethics, compliance, and health and safety standards.