Senior Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career progression

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in East London seeks a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead power generation facilities in the Eastern Cape. You will ensure safe, reliable operation, drive efficiency, and comply with regulatory and environmental standards while building a high-performing team.

Responsibilities include overseeing daily plant operations, budgeting, implementing continuous improvement, and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations management with a proven leadership track record.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of power generation technologies and safety/environmental compliance.
• Experience with budget control, cost optimization, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily power plant operations for maximum efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies, procedures, and best practices to meet targets.
• Manage budgets and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead and develop a team of operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee maintenance planning to minimize downtime and preserve equipment.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs.
• Manage relationships with regulators, suppliers, and management.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and readiness.
• Conduct performance reviews and promote professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Power plant ops

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Safety culture

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA or related

Tools

ERP systems

SCADA

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the Energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and optimize power generation facilities in East London, Eastern Cape. This senior leadership position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power plants, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with all regulatory and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in power plant management, operational excellence, and team leadership. You will oversee daily operations, manage budgets, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of safety and performance. This is a critical role for an individual passionate about driving operational success in the vital energy industry. We are looking for a decisive leader committed to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily power plant operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, procedures, and best practices to meet production targets and performance goals.
• Manage plant budgets, control operating costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution to minimize downtime and ensure equipment integrity.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and reduce costs.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal management.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and ensure operational readiness.
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and promote a culture of professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or a related technical field.
• An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations management, with a proven track record in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of power generation technologies (e.g., thermal, hydro, renewable) and associated operational processes.
• Strong understanding of plant safety regulations, environmental compliance, and quality management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, cost control, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to make sound decisions under pressure and resolve complex operational issues.
• Proficiency in operations management software and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Commitment to a strong safety culture and operational excellence.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and continuous professional development in East London. This on-site role requires dedicated leadership to ensure the reliable operation of critical power generation assets within the Energy sector. Potential for performance-based bonuses and significant contribution to energy security.