Senior Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

top-tier medical aid

retirement fund contributions

life assurance

relocation assistance

professional development and training

hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee power generation facilities near Pretoria, Gauteng. You will lead operational teams, drive strategies for safety and efficiency, and manage budgets to optimize performance and reliability.

The role requires a strong background in power generation technologies and a track record of managing large-scale industrial operations. A hybrid work model is offered to balance on-site oversight with strategic remote planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical preferred)
• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations management with senior leadership experience
• Experience with multiple power generation technologies (thermal, gas turbines, renewables)
• Strong knowledge of maintenance, reliability and asset management
• Proven safety management and environmental compliance track record
• Excellent leadership, team management and communication skills
• Experience with financial management and budgeting for large operations
• Ability to work in a hybrid model with on-site and remote planning
• Residence or willingness to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of power generation facilities, ensuring optimal performance and uptime
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and safety
• Manage budgets for operations, including fuel, maintenance, and personnel costs
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant managers, engineers, and operational staff
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address deviations
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution to minimize downtime and extend asset life
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams on plant upgrades and new projects
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and local communities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize energy output and reduce costs

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Team development

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the South African energy sector , is seeking an accomplished Senior Operations Manager to oversee its power generation facilities near Pretoria, Gauteng . This role demands a strategic leader capable of ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex power plants. You will be responsible for managing operational teams, optimizing plant performance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in power generation technologies and a proven ability to manage large-scale operations in a demanding industrial environment. This hybrid role offers the chance to impact national energy supply while maintaining a flexible work-life balance, based in the administrative capital, Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of power generation facilities, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Manage budgets for operations, including fuel, maintenance, and personnel costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant managers, engineers, and operational staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address deviations.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams on plant upgrades and new projects.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and local communities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize energy output and reduce operational costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical preferred) or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations management, with a significant portion in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven experience with various power generation technologies (e.g., thermal, gas turbines, renewables).
• Strong understanding of plant maintenance, reliability, and asset management principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in safety management systems and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with financial management and budgeting for large operational units.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on‑site operational oversight with strategic remote planning.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the vicinity of Pretoria, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client provides a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including a high base salary, attractive performance bonuses, and extensive benefits.

• top-tier medical aid
• generous retirement fund contributions
• life assurance
• relocation assistance if needed
• opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and leadership programs are readily available.
• hybrid position offers the flexibility of remote work for strategic tasks combined with essential on‑site management of operations in the Pretoria region.

Join a critical part of the South African energy infrastructure .