Senior Operations Manager - Power Plant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

PTO

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee daily power-plant operations in Benoni, Gauteng. You will lead engineers, technicians, and operators to ensure safe, reliable and efficient generation within environmental and regulatory standards.

The role requires 10+ years in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in management. You will develop strategies, manage budgets, drive continuous improvements, and mentor the team to achieve KPIs and safe outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Strong track record of safe, efficient plant operations and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of power generation technologies, maintenance practices, and safety standards (OSHA/PSM).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, and auxiliary services.
• Ensure safe, efficient operations in compliance with environmental regulations and permits.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize performance and reduce costs.
• Manage the operational budget and control expenditures.
• Lead, mentor and develop the operations team, fostering safety and continuous improvement."
• Oversee incident investigations and corrective actions; coordinate with maintenance, engineering and safety departments.
• Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, suppliers, and community stakeholders.
• Monitor KPIs and implement strategies to achieve targets.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Regulatory compliance

Safety management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator of thermal power generation facilities, is seeking an accomplished Senior Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of their plant located in Benoni, Gauteng. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of the power station. The successful candidate will manage a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and operators, driving performance excellence and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in power plant operations, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of operational best practices, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, and auxiliary services.
• Ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all environmental regulations and permits.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to optimize plant performance and reduce costs.
• Manage the operational budget and control expenditures effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analyses, and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and safety departments to ensure seamless plant operations.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, suppliers, and community stakeholders.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies to achieve operational targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of safely and efficiently managing complex industrial operations.
• In-depth knowledge of power generation technologies, operational principles, and maintenance practices.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations, safety standards (e.g., OSHA), and process safety management (PSM).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in operational management systems and performance monitoring tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Exposure to large-scale, critical infrastructure projects.
• Be part of a stable and reputable organization in the energy sector.