Senior Power Plant Operations Leader (Richards Bay)

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement in Richards Bay

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Power Plant Operations Engineer for their Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee day-to-day operations of a large-scale power generation plant, manage a team of shift engineers, and drive safety, reliability, and efficiency improvements.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in power plant operations with at least 5 years in a supervisory capacity, and a strong background in thermodynamic cycles, electrical systems, and DCS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience with power generation technologies (thermal, gas turbine, hydro, renewables).
• Strong leadership and safety management skills.
• Proficient in process control systems (DCS) and data analysis.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Decision making

DCS proficiency

Data analysis

Safety management

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS control systems

CMMS/maintenance software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Power Plant Operations Engineer for their Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee day-to-day operations of a large-scale power generation plant, manage a team of shift engineers, and drive safety, reliability, and efficiency improvements.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in power plant operations with at least 5 years in a supervisory capacity, and a strong background in thermodynamic cycles, electrical systems, and DCS.