Senior Operations Manager - Power Generation

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Executive benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, a major operator in the South African power generation sector, seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee the safe and efficient operation of a large power plant in Soweto, Gauteng. You will lead operations and maintenance teams, drive performance improvements, and manage budgets while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

You will engage with regulators, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and implement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• An advanced degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in senior management or supervisory roles.
• Proven experience with multiple power generation technologies (thermal, renewable).
• Strong understanding of maintenance, reliability, and asset management in power plants.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations for power generation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the power generation facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
• Manage and mentor operations and maintenance teams, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet plant performance targets, including power output, efficiency, and availability.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Oversee planning and execution of planned and unplanned maintenance activities.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective communication.
• Implement and monitor KPIs for operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Safety culture

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

MBA or advanced degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the South African power generation sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe operation of a significant power plant facility in the Soweto, Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the power generation facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
• Manage and mentor operations and maintenance teams, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet plant performance targets, including power output, efficiency, and availability.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Oversee the planning and execution of planned and unplanned maintenance activities.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective communication.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• An advanced degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience with various types of power generation technologies (e.g., thermal, renewable).
• Strong understanding of power plant maintenance, reliability, and asset management principles.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to power generation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a substantial bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and executive benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading energy organization are excellent.
• This position is based in the vibrant Soweto area.