Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Company housing

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape is seeking a Power Plant Operations Manager to lead daily operations, ensure safety and reliability, and drive performance across a multi-discipline team of engineers, technicians, and operators.

This senior role requires a strong engineering background, 10+ years in power plant operations, and proven budgeting and regulatory compliance skills. Relocation housing options and a competitive executive salary package are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing operations for a specific type of power plant (thermal/hydro/solar/wind).
• In-depth knowledge of power plant systems, controls, and operational procedures.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of safety management systems and environmental regulations within the energy sector.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and performance optimization.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies effectively.
• Willingness to reside in or near Upington, Northern Cape and participate in an on-call rotation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily operations of the power plant to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient generation of electricity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage the plant's operational budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Monitor plant performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering departments to ensure seamless plant upkeep and troubleshooting.
• Oversee fuel supply, water treatment, and waste management processes as applicable to the plant type.
• Oversee the training and certification of operational staff.
• Maintain comprehensive operational logs, reports, and records for regulatory and internal purposes.
• Respond effectively to plant emergencies and disturbances.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

Operations leadership

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree is advantageous

Tools

SCADA

Energy management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the Energy generation sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Power Plant Operations Manager for their facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the power plant, ensuring maximum efficiency, reliability, and safety in electricity generation. You will lead a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and operators, manage operational budgets, and ensure compliance with all environmental and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in power plant management, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of operational best practices in the energy industry. This is a key leadership position responsible for the smooth functioning of essential energy infrastructure. Our client is committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and providing a safe and challenging work environment. Your leadership will directly contribute to the stable and efficient energy supply of the region. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a dedication to achieving high performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily operations of the power plant to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient generation of electricity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage the plant's operational budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Monitor plant performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering departments to ensure seamless plant upkeep and troubleshooting.
• Manage fuel supply, water treatment, and waste management processes as applicable to the plant type.
• Oversee the training and certification of operational staff.
• Maintain comprehensive operational logs, reports, and records for regulatory and internal purposes.
• Respond effectively to plant emergencies and disturbances.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing operations for a specific type of power plant (e.g., thermal, hydro, solar, wind).
• In-depth knowledge of power plant systems, controls, and operational procedures.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of safety management systems and environmental regulations within the energy sector.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and performance optimization.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies effectively.
• Willingness to reside in or near Upington, Northern Cape and participate in an on-call rotation.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance package.
• Company housing or housing allowance.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Leadership role with significant responsibility and impact.
• A stable and secure position within a leading energy company.
• Generous annual leave and other benefits.