Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Executive bonus

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a senior Power Plant Operations Manager to lead a diverse team in Richards Bay. You will ensure safe, efficient and compliant plant performance, directing daily operations, maintenance and energy generation while upholding strict environmental standards.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and coordinate with regulators and emergency services in a highly regulated energy sector, delivering reliable regional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in power plant operations.
• At least 3 years in a management role.
• Experience with thermal, renewable, or other power generation technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of power plant systems, safety and environmental regulations.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily power plant operations, generation, maintenance and utility support.
• Develop operational strategies to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, environmental policies and procedures.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of operators, engineers and maintenance staff.
• Manage budgets, resources and CAPEX for improvement projects.
• Coordinate with regulators, stakeholders and emergency services as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Power Plant Operations Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of their facility in Richards Bay . This senior leadership role is critical for managing day-to-day plant activities, ensuring optimal energy generation, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental performance. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, driving operational excellence and managing budgets within the highly regulated energy sector . This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact on regional power supply and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, and utility support to ensure continuous and reliable energy supply.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize plant efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental policies, and operational procedures.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of plant operators, engineers, and maintenance personnel, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee plant budgets, resource allocation, and capital expenditure planning for operational improvements.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies, external stakeholders, and emergency services as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 3 years in a management capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation of thermal, renewable, or other power generation technologies relevant to the facility.
• In-depth knowledge of power plant systems, safety protocols, environmental regulations, and operational best practices.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex operations and large teams in a demanding industrial environment in Richards Bay .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Company-provided housing or housing allowance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within the energy industry .
• Relocation assistance package available for qualified candidates.
• A challenging and dynamic work environment with a focus on operational excellence.