Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance / housing

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Opportunity to manage a critical asset

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager to lead our Nelspruit-area facility. You will ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations while maximizing energy generation and adhering to stringent environmental and safety standards.

You will manage a team of engineers, technicians, and operators, control maintenance planning, and drive asset performance. This senior role requires deep hydropower knowledge and strong leadership in a complex energy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in operation and maintenance of large-scale hydropower facilities.
• Professional Engineer registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Willingness to reside in or near Nelspruit and on-call availability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations including generation scheduling, water management, and equipment monitoring.
• Develop and manage preventative and corrective maintenance programs for turbines, generators, dams, and infrastructure.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, environmental permits, and procedures.
• Lead and develop the operations and maintenance team to sustain high performance.
• Manage plant budget including OPEX and CAPEX projects.
• Conduct performance analysis to drive efficiency and output improvements.
• Coordinate with regulators, environmental agencies, and grid operator.
• Oversee condition monitoring and proactive maintenance strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Hydropower ops

SCADA experience

Predictive maintenance

Budget management

Water management

Team management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Civil Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator of renewable energy facilities, is seeking an experienced Senior Hydropower Plant Operations Manager to oversee operations at their key facility near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This vital role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the hydropower plant, maximizing energy generation while adhering to stringent environmental and safety standards. You will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and operators, managing day-to-day activities, maintenance planning, and performance optimization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of hydropower technology, operational best practices, and asset management principles. This is a challenging and rewarding leadership position contributing significantly to South Africa's clean energy portfolio. You will be based in the scenic Mpumalanga region, managing critical infrastructure that supports the national grid.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily plant operations, including generation scheduling, water management, and equipment monitoring.
• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance programs for turbines, generators, dams, and associated infrastructure.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental permits, and operational procedures.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant operations and maintenance team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage the plant's budget, including operational expenditures and capital improvement projects.
• Conduct performance analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize efficiency and output.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, environmental agencies, and the grid operator.
• Oversee plant condition monitoring and implement proactive maintenance strategies based on data analysis.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure the availability of critical components.
• Lead emergency response efforts and ensure effective incident 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 maintenance of large-scale hydropower facilities.
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role within a power generation environment.
• Strong understanding of hydro-turbine and generator technologies, dam safety, and water management principles.
• In-depth knowledge of power plant safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Experience with SCADA systems, plant control systems, and predictive maintenance technologies.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.
• Professional Engineer registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Willingness to reside in or near Nelspruit and adhere to on-call requirements.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package with potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and relocation assistance.
• Accommodation allowance or provision for housing.
• Generous annual leave and long-term service recognition.
• Significant professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunity to manage a critical renewable energy asset in the Mpumalanga region.
• Leadership role with substantial responsibility and impact.
• Supportive management and a dedicated team environment.