Plant Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Executive health insurance

Retirement benefits

Leadership training

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Plant Operations Manager for a major power plant in Richards Bay. The role oversees production, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance to ensure reliable energy output.

Lead engineers, technicians and operators, promoting continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will shape strategies, manage budgets, and drive cost savings while maintaining the highest safety standards in a demanding energy sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or closely related field).
• Master's degree or MBA is advantageous for leadership and strategy.
• Minimum of 10 years in power plant operations with 5+ years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record in large-scale industrial operations and complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily power plant operations for optimal performance and reliability.
• Develop and implement strategies and best practices to meet targets.
• Oversee maintenance to minimize downtime and costs.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Manage budgets and identify efficiency improvements.
• Lead and develop operations and maintenance teams.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Safety

Compliance

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Masters or MBA advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and results-oriented Plant Operations Manager to lead the operational efficiency and safety of a major power generation facility in Richards Bay . This leadership position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring consistent and reliable energy output. You will manage a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and operators, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. This is a critical role for an individual dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the demanding energy sector .

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily operations of the power plant, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability of generation equipment.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and best practices to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Oversee the maintenance department to ensure proactive and reactive maintenance programs are effective in minimizing downtime and costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards for the plant.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations and maintenance teams, promoting a safe and productive work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale industrial operations and complex mechanical/electrical systems.
• Strong knowledge of power generation technologies , operational processes, and maintenance strategies.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a strong commitment to safety and compliance.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary with significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Richards Bay .
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and executive leadership training.
• A challenging and rewarding role at the forefront of the energy industry .