Senior Hydropower Plant Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Hydropower Plant Manager to oversee operations at the facility near Bloemfontein, Free State. This on-site role demands a strong engineering background and proven leadership to maximise power generation while maintaining safety, compliance, and reliability of plant equipment.

You will lead operations, maintenance and budget oversight, develop maintenance strategies for turbines, generators and control systems, monitor performance, and coordinate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Master's degree is a significant advantage.
• Minimum 10 years in hydropower with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of hydropower plant systems, operations, and maintenance best practices.
• Experience managing operational budgets and personnel.
• Proficiency in plant management software and diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the hydropower plant, ensuring optimal efficiency and energy output.
• Lead the plant operations and maintenance teams, fostering a culture of safety and performance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance strategies and schedules for all plant equipment, including turbines, generators, and control systems.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and operational standards.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Manage the plant budget, including operational expenses and capital expenditure planning.
• Oversee spare parts inventory and procurement processes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and corporate management.
• Lead incident investigations and implement preventative measures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the plant operations.

Skills

Hydropower engineering

Leadership

Budget management

Operations management

Plant maintenance

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Plant management software

Diagnostic tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major operator of renewable energy assets, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Hydropower Plant Manager to oversee operations at their facility near **Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA**. This is an on-site position, crucial for the efficient and safe operation of the hydropower generation facility. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations, maintenance, personnel, and compliance. Your leadership will ensure maximum power generation, adherence to environmental regulations, and the overall integrity of the plant infrastructure. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a strong background in hydropower engineering and proven managerial capabilities to lead a dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the hydropower plant, ensuring optimal efficiency and energy output.
• Manage and lead the plant operations and maintenance teams, fostering a culture of safety and performance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance strategies and schedules for all plant equipment, including turbines, generators, and control systems.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols, environmental regulations, and operational standards.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Manage the plant budget, including operational expenses and capital expenditure planning.
• Oversee spare parts inventory and procurement processes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and corporate management.
• Lead incident investigations and implement preventative measures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the plant operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a significant advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the hydropower industry, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of hydropower plant systems, operations, and maintenance best practices.
• Proven experience in managing operational budgets and personnel.
• Strong understanding of hydro-mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in relevant plant management software and diagnostic tools.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
• Experience in managing large-scale capital improvement projects is desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive family medical aid plan.
• Generous pension fund contribution.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Key leadership role in a vital renewable energy facility.