Senior Operations Manager - Energy Projects

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance incentives

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 represents a leading energy sector client in Vereeniging seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee major energy projects. The role demands strategic leadership, extensive project and operations expertise, and a strong focus on safety and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in operations and project leadership within energy, with PMI or PRINCE2 knowledge, and is eligible to work in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; MBA/ Master’s advantageous.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management and project leadership in energy.
• Proven track record managing large-scale energy projects.
• Knowledge of PMI or PRINCE2 methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of multiple energy projects.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet objectives, timelines, budgets.
• Lead project teams and foster high-performance culture.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental regulatory compliance.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, implement mitigations.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with clients, contractors, regulators.
• Optimize resource allocation (personnel, equipment, materials).
• Conduct performance reviews and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare project status reports for senior management.
• Drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness through lifecycles.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Operations management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA

Tools

PMI

PRINCE2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Operations Manager to oversee critical energy projects. This role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA, and requires a strategic leader capable of managing complex operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, operational planning, and stakeholder engagement within the energy industry. You will be responsible for leading cross-functional teams, optimizing resource allocation, and driving operational excellence across various project phases. This is a pivotal leadership position for an individual committed to delivering successful energy projects in a challenging environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple energy projects from inception to completion.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve project objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage and lead project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Optimize resource allocation, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Conduct performance reviews and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout project lifecycles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Project Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management and project leadership within the Energy sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2).
• Strong understanding of operational best practices, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience in the South African energy market is a significant advantage.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, performance incentives, and significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• The hybrid work model allows for a flexible approach to work, balancing remote capabilities with essential on-site project management in Vereeniging.
• Employees will have the chance to lead impactful projects, work with a diverse range of energy technologies, and contribute to the growth of a leading energy company.
• This role is perfect for an experienced operations leader looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity.