Senior Operations Manager - Energy Infrastructure

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life cover

Retirement fund

Housing assistance

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Annual leave

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of critical energy infrastructure assets on-site. You will lead a team, manage budgets, and drive best practices to ensure safe, efficient and reliable power generation and distribution networks.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in power operations, strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a proven track record of managing large teams in a high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical).
• 8+ years in operations management in power generation/energy infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of energy assets including power plants and networks.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise efficiency, reliability and safety.
• Manage O&M budget and allocate resources cost-effectively.
• Lead and develop operations staff to high performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards and procedures.
• Monitor asset performance and implement improvements.
• Prepare emergency response plans and manage disruptions.
• Liaise with regulators, authorities and service providers.
• Drive continuous improvement and asset longevity.
• Oversee implementation of new technologies and upgrades.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Safety management

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Stakeholder management

Operations software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical)

Master's degree or management qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in South Africa's energy sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of critical energy infrastructure assets in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This senior role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of power generation facilities and distribution networks. You will lead a team of operational staff, manage budgets, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in power plant operations, maintenance, and a deep understanding of operational excellence principles. This is a vital on-site leadership position requiring significant commitment to the Upington, Northern Cape area.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational performance of energy infrastructure assets, including power plants and associated networks.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Manage the operations and maintenance (O&M) budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations personnel, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational procedures.
• Monitor asset performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage emergency response plans and ensure preparedness for operational disruptions.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local authorities, and service providers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and asset longevity.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and upgrades within the operational environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical) or a related technical field. A Master's degree or relevant management qualification is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations management within the power generation or energy infrastructure sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operational environments and large teams.
• In-depth knowledge of power plant operations, maintenance strategies, and safety protocols.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance in the South African energy industry.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in operations management software and systems.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage crisis situations.
• Willingness to reside in or frequently travel to the Upington, Northern Cape area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive performance-based bonus.
• Excellent medical aid, life cover, and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company-provided housing assistance.
• Opportunities for advanced leadership training and professional development.
• Significant role in ensuring the stability and reliability of energy supply in the region.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a critical infrastructure sector based in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Long-term career prospects with a well-established energy company.