Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Annual bonus

Medical coverage for family

Pension fund

Leadership development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Power Plant Operations Manager to lead safe and efficient plant operations near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role oversees maintenance, budgeting, and performance optimization to meet energy targets and profitability.

You will manage the operations and maintenance teams, ensure strict safety and environmental compliance, and coordinate with regulators and suppliers to sustain high plant availability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent operational experience.
• 10+ years in power plant operations with at least 5 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Proven experience managing operations for power plant facilities (thermal, gas turbine, renewable).
• Deep understanding of power plant processes, control systems, and maintenance practices.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations for power generation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and optimize operational efficiency.
• Proficiency with plant management software and diagnostic tools.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Willingness to reside near the plant site in Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day power plant operations ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize availability and efficiency.
• Manage the plant's operational budget and costs.
• Lead, mentor and develop operations and maintenance teams.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules with the Maintenance Manager.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements.
• Oversee fuel management, water treatment, and emissions controls.
• Engage with regulators, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Lead emergency response planning and execution.
• Maintain thorough plant logging and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Team management

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Plant management software

Diagnostic tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator of independent power facilities, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Power Plant Operations Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of their facility located near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This senior leadership position requires a comprehensive understanding of power generation processes, strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations, and strong team management capabilities. The Operations Manager will be responsible for directing all aspects of plant operations, maintenance, and performance optimization to meet energy demand targets and ensure profitability. This is a critical on-site role demanding leadership and operational excellence in the vital energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the power plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to maximize plant availability and efficiency.
• Manage the plant's operational budget, controlling costs while maintaining high standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations and maintenance teams, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop and manage maintenance schedules in coordination with the Maintenance Manager.
• Monitor plant performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee fuel management, water treatment, and emissions control systems.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Lead emergency response planning and execution for plant incidents.
• Ensure effective plant logging, reporting, and record-keeping.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical preferred) or equivalent operational experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience managing operations for (Specify type of power plant, e.g., thermal, gas turbine, renewable) facilities.
• Deep understanding of power plant processes, control systems, and maintenance practices.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to power generation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and optimize operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in plant management software and diagnostic tools.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Willingness to reside within reasonable proximity to the plant site in Mpumalanga .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, complemented by a significant annual bonus based on plant performance and reliability metrics. Comprehensive medical coverage, including family members, and a generous company-contributed pension fund are provided. Opportunities for further professional development include advanced leadership training and specialized technical certifications. Employees enjoy an excellent annual leave allowance. This role offers the chance to lead critical operations within the energy infrastructure of South Africa .