Regional Water Treatment Operations Lead — Hybrid

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with incentives

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid work within Vereeniging area

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee multiple water treatment plants in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role blends on-site leadership with remote/central-office planning, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across the region.

The ideal candidate will have a chemical engineering or environmental science background, 5+ years in operations management, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and familiarity with SCADA and SA environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in operations management within water/wastewater sector.
• Experience budgeting and managing operational teams.
• Knowledge of coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, filtration.
• Knowledge of SA environmental legislation and water quality standards.
• Willingness to travel within the operational region; valid driver’s license.
• Water Care Practitioner certification is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of water and wastewater plants.
• Develop and monitor operational budgets; identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead, train, and supervise operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and safety standards.
• Oversee maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Monitor water quality and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement SOPs for all plant processes.
• Manage relationships with regulators, suppliers, and contractors.
• Plan and execute capital improvement projects.
• Report performance, efficiency, and compliance to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

SCADA experience

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Diploma/degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Science

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee multiple water treatment plants in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role blends on-site leadership with remote/central-office planning, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across the region.

The ideal candidate will have a chemical engineering or environmental science background, 5+ years in operations management, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and familiarity with SCADA and SA environmental standards.