Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance (family

Relocation assistance

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager for facilities near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role demands extensive leadership experience to ensure safe, efficient operation of turbines, water resource management, and dam safety.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, develop operation strategies, monitor performance, coordinate outages, manage budgets, and liaise with regulators and stakeholders to uphold environmental standards while delivering reliable renewable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering field.
• 10+ years in operation and management of hydropower plants.
• At least 5 years in a supervisory/leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of hydropower generation, dam safety, hydraulics, and water resource management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of hydropower facilities, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and schedules to maximize power output and water resource utilization.
• Lead a team of plant operators, technicians, and maintenance staff.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational protocols.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions for deviations.
• Coordinate with maintenance to plan outages for repairs and upgrades.
• Manage water resource planning and allocation with authorities.
• Oversee the operations budget and maintenance expenditures.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and drills; promote a safety culture.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the community regarding operations.
• Stay updated on latest technologies and best practices in hydropower operations.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and incident reviews for senior management.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Health & Safety (HSE)

SCADA systems experience

Data analysis & fault diagnosis

Regulatory liaison

Water resource optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

SCADA systems

Plant management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent energy provider in the Eastern Cape, is seeking a seasoned Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe operation of their key facilities near Port Elizabeth . This leadership position requires extensive experience in managing complex hydropower operations, including turbine and generator systems, dam management, and water resource optimization. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring maximum power generation while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards. This is an exciting opportunity to manage critical energy infrastructure in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , and play a vital role in the region's energy security. Join our client's dedicated team and contribute to the reliable supply of clean, renewable energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of hydropower facilities, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and schedules to maximize power output and water resource utilization.
• Manage and lead a team of plant operators, technicians, and maintenance staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational protocols.
• Monitor plant performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to address any deviations.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule and oversee planned and unplanned outages for repairs and upgrades.
• Manage water resource planning and allocation in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Oversee the budget for plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and drills, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the community regarding plant operations.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in hydropower operations.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and incident reviews for senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the operation and management of hydropower plants, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of hydropower generation systems, including turbines (Francis, Kaplan, Pelton), generators, transformers, and control systems.
• Strong understanding of dam safety principles, hydraulic engineering, and water resource management.
• Proven experience in leading and motivating operational teams.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations in the energy sector.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with SCADA systems and plant management software is advantageous.
• Must be legally permitted to work in Port Elizabeth , South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including family coverage.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Pension fund and life insurance benefits.
• Accommodation or housing allowance may be provided.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced hydropower technologies.
• Leadership role in managing critical renewable energy infrastructure.
• Supportive work environment committed to safety and operational excellence.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to the Port Elizabeth area.
• Contribute directly to the energy needs of the Eastern Cape .