Senior Operations Manager (Renewable Energy Plant)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Exposure to renewable energy tech

Environmental impact contributions

Housing allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Operations Manager to oversee the safe and efficient operation of a major renewable energy facility near Soweto, Gauteng. The role requires leading a team of technicians and engineers, optimizing performance, maintaining compliance, and driving continuous improvement to maximize asset availability.

You will manage maintenance planning, monitor performance, ensure health, safety and environmental standards, control the operating budget, and report KPIs to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years in operations management within power generation, preferably renewable energy.
• Experience managing operational budgets and cost control.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day operational activities of the renewable energy plant.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to ensure plant reliability and availability.
• Oversee performance monitoring and analyze equipment data for deviations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Manage the operational budget and control costs while maintaining performance.
• Lead, train, and motivate the operations and maintenance team.
• Coordinate with external contractors for specialized maintenance and repairs.
• Manage inventory control and spare parts systems.
• Analyze operations data to identify improvements and drive efficiency.
• Prepare regular operational reports with KPIs and challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Budget management

Performance monitoring

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Plant management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the sustainable Energy sector, is seeking a seasoned Senior Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe operation of a major renewable energy facility located near Soweto, Gauteng . This critical role involves managing all aspects of plant operations, including performance monitoring, maintenance planning, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in power plant management, a keen understanding of operational excellence, and a commitment to maximizing asset performance and minimizing downtime. You will lead a dedicated team of technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact on South Africa's renewable energy landscape, ensuring the reliable delivery of clean power. You will be instrumental in driving operational strategies that align with the company's objectives for sustainability and profitability. Your leadership will be key to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and performance at this vital energy generation site.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day operational activities of the renewable energy plant.
• Develop and implement robust maintenance strategies (preventive, predictive, corrective) to ensure optimal plant reliability and availability.
• Oversee the performance monitoring and analysis of plant equipment, identifying and addressing any deviations.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards and procedures.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs while maintaining high performance standards.
• Lead, train, and motivate the operations and maintenance team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Coordinate with external contractors and service providers for specialized maintenance and repairs.
• Implement and manage systems for effective inventory control and spare parts management.
• Analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement and implement efficiency enhancements.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) and challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or similar) or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management within the power generation industry, preferably in renewable energy (solar, wind, or hydro).
• Proven experience in managing operational budgets and cost control.
• Strong understanding of power plant maintenance practices, including O&M strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in the energy sector.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using plant management software and performance monitoring tools.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data and make informed decisions.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a proactive approach to operational challenges.
• Willingness to work on-call duties and adapt to operational needs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Exposure to leading renewable energy technologies.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant environmental goals.
• Company-provided accommodation or housing allowance.