Senior Power Plant Operations Leader – Richards Bay

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with benefits

Professional development opportunities

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Power Plant Operations Engineer to oversee day-to-day operations of a large-scale plant in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of shift engineers and operators, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires a mechanical or electrical engineering degree, 10+ years in ops, 5+ in leadership, and strong knowledge of power generation technologies. Pr.Eng. registration is desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years in power plant operations, with 5+ years in a supervisory/lead role.
• Strong knowledge of power generation technologies (thermal, gas turbine, hydro or renewable).
• Proven experience in managing plant operations, including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and safety management.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamic cycles, fluid mechanics, and electrical systems in power generation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in process control systems (DCS) and operational data analysis.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration is desirable.
• Experience in KwaZulu-Natal/ Richards Bay advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the power plant operations team, ensuring effective shift management and performance.
• Oversee safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all plant equipment and systems.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement optimization strategies to reduce costs.
• Develop and execute operational procedures, maintenance schedules, and emergency response plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems with root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Manage spare parts inventory and oversee procurement of operational supplies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide technical training to staff.
• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering and management teams for seamless operations.
• Contribute to plant budgeting and long-term operational planning.

Skills

Power plant operations

Leadership

DCS / process control

Data analysis

Safety management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Power Plant Operations Engineer to oversee day-to-day operations of a large-scale plant in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of shift engineers and operators, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires a mechanical or electrical engineering degree, 10+ years in ops, 5+ in leadership, and strong knowledge of power generation technologies. Pr.Eng. registration is desirable.