Senior Operations Manager - Energy Facilities

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Performance bonus

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead operational excellence at energy generation facilities near Centurion, Gauteng. The role focuses on safe, reliable, and cost-efficient plant operation with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement.

You will manage a diverse team of engineers and technicians, oversee budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving strategies for improved performance and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in operations management within the power generation or heavy industrial sector.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale industrial facilities with operational excellence.
• Strong leadership, people management, and communication skills.
• Must possess the legal right to work in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the operations department, ensuring safe and efficient plant performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to meet production targets and KPIs.
• Manage the plant's budget, controlling operational expenditures and optimizing resource allocation.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee maintenance activities to maximize plant availability and minimize downtime.
• Lead and mentor the operations team, fostering accountability and high performance.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with regulators, suppliers, and community representatives.
• Implement advanced operational technologies and best practices for efficiency and sustainability.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to reports.
• Oversee emergency response planning and execution.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Budgeting

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Team building

Power plant systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or related field

MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent power producer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and oversee the operational excellence of their energy generation facilities located near Centurion, Gauteng, ZA . This leadership role is paramount in ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective operation of power plant assets. The successful candidate will manage a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, driving continuous improvement in all aspects of plant operations, including generation, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance. This is a strategic position offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the energy sector. We are seeking a proven leader with a strong track record in managing complex industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the operations department, ensuring safe and efficient plant performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to meet or exceed production targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Manage the plant's budget, controlling operational expenditures and optimizing resource allocation.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee the execution of planned and unplanned maintenance activities to maximize plant availability and minimize downtime.
• Lead and mentor the operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, suppliers, and community representatives.
• Implement advanced operational technologies and best practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Oversee emergency response planning and execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in operations management within the power generation or heavy industrial sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, large-scale industrial facilities.
• Proven track record of achieving operational excellence, safety performance, and cost control.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Excellent understanding of power plant systems, thermodynamics, and plant economics.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Must possess the legal right to work in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA .

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement plan, and opportunities for executive leadership development. We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment at the forefront of the energy industry. Join a committed organization focused on powering the future responsibly.