Senior Operations Manager - Hydroelectric Power

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee hydroelectric facilities in Welkom, Free State. You will lead a team, manage budgets, and drive maintenance and performance improvements.

The role combines on-site oversight with remote planning, emphasizing safety, environmental compliance, and collaboration with regulators and grid operators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years in power generation operations management, hydro focus.
• Experience leading operations teams and managing budgets.
• Strong knowledge of hydroelectric plant systems: turbines, generators, governors, controls.
• Experience with safety management systems and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• SCADA experience and plant performance monitoring.
• Hybrid work environment balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• PE registration is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of hydroelectric facilities for optimal performance.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reliability, safety.
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and inspection of turbines and controls.
• Lead and develop operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Monitor plant data and implement improvements.
• Coordinate outages and asset management planning.
• Liaise with regulators and grid operators.
• Contribute to long-term capital investment planning.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Safety

Stakeholder Mgmt

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator of renewable energy infrastructure, is looking for a seasoned Senior Operations Manager to oversee their hydroelectric power generation facilities in the Welkom, Free State region. This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our dams, turbines, and associated power generation equipment. You will be responsible for leading a team of skilled professionals, managing operational budgets, and implementing best practices in plant maintenance and performance optimization. This position offers a unique opportunity to manage critical energy assets and contribute to South Africa's stable power supply. The hybrid nature of this role allows for a balance between on-site operational oversight and strategic planning from a remote location, fostering a productive work environment. We seek a leader with a strong background in power plant operations and a commitment to excellence in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of hydroelectric power generation facilities, ensuring optimal performance and output.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and inspection of turbines, generators, control systems, and associated infrastructure.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Manage operational budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational protocols.
• Monitor plant performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, grid operators, and other stakeholders on operational matters.
• Oversee outage planning and execution to minimize downtime.
• Contribute to long-term asset management strategies and capital investment planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in operations management within the power generation sector, with a significant focus on hydroelectric facilities.
• Proven experience in managing operational teams and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of hydroelectric plant systems, including turbines, generators, governors, and control systems.
• Expertise in safety management systems and environmental compliance in industrial settings.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with SCADA systems and power plant performance monitoring tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of project management principles.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration is an advantage.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• excellent medical aid
• a provident fund
• performance bonuses
• opportunities for advanced training and career progression within the energy industry

This hybrid role provides the flexibility to work from home on certain days, while maintaining essential on-site presence in Welkom . You will be part of a respected organization dedicated to powering South Africa sustainably and will have the opportunity to work with advanced technologies and make a significant impact.