Remote Solar Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Performance-based bonus

Laptop provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Remote Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee multiple solar assets across South Africa. The role focuses on day-to-day O&M, performance monitoring, and maintenance strategy, ensuring maximum energy output and plant availability.

You will lead distributed teams, manage budgets, and ensure safety compliance from a home office. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in solar O&M, strong leadership, and expertise in SCADA and performance analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 8 years in O&M of renewable energy facilities, with focus on solar PV.
• Proven track record managing large-scale solar farms and distributed teams.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV technology, inverters, BOP, and SCADA.
• Strong O&M best practices, predictive maintenance, and performance analytics.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end operations of multiple solar farm facilities remotely.
• Develop preventive and corrective maintenance plans to maximize uptime.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA and other tools; address deviations.
• Oversee site teams, contractors, and service providers for safe operations.
• Manage operational budgets and identify cost savings opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to HSE policies across all sites.
• Prepare performance reports and provide insights to senior management.
• Coordinate with engineering/construction teams on new projects.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain relationships with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Skills

O&M management

Solar PV expertise

SCADA experience

Budget management

Remote team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Performance analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SCADA systems

Performance monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in renewable energy solutions and is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Remote Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee their growing portfolio of solar assets. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for talented professionals across South Africa. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management, performance monitoring, and maintenance strategy of multiple solar farm sites, ensuring maximum energy output and plant availability. You will leverage your expertise to optimize operational efficiency, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. This role requires a proactive approach, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage distributed teams effectively. Join us in powering a sustainable future from the comfort of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end operations of multiple solar farm facilities remotely.
• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance plans to maximize plant uptime and energy production.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA systems and other monitoring tools, identifying and addressing performance deviations promptly.
• Oversee site teams, contractors, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient and safe operations.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and regulations across all sites.
• Prepare regular performance reports, analyze key metrics, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and development teams on new projects and upgrades.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the operations and maintenance (O&M) of renewable energy facilities, with a significant focus on solar PV plants.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale solar farms and distributed operational teams.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV technology, inverters, balance of plant (BOP) components, and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of O&M best practices, predictive maintenance techniques, and performance analytics.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills, with experience managing remote teams.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and cost control for operational expenditures.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools for performance monitoring and reporting.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote work setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary: R .
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Contribution to a leading renewable energy company's mission.
• Professional development and training programs.
• State-of-the-art remote monitoring tools and support.
• Company-provided laptop and communication allowance.
• Paid time off and sick leave.