Solar Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee the safe and efficient operation of solar facilities around Port Elizabeth. The role leads technicians and site staff, coordinating maintenance, performance monitoring, and regulatory compliance in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The successful candidate will have a strong PV technology background, leadership and budget management skills, and the ability to travel between sites in the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years experience in operation and maintenance of solar PV plants.
• Proven experience managing teams and operating budgets.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and performance monitoring software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and performance monitoring of multiple solar PV farms.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to maximize energy generation and efficiency.
• Coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance activities, including scheduling and resources.
• Supervise and mentor site operations staff and field technicians.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations at all sites.
• Monitor KPIs and prepare regular performance reports for management.
• Manage relationships with O&M contractors, grid operators, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee inventory management for spare parts and consumables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Conduct site inspections and audits to maintain quality and safety standards.
• Manage budgets for operations and maintenance and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and technologies.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Data analysis

SCADA knowledge

Solar PV tech

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Performance monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major developer and operator of renewable energy assets, is seeking an experienced Solar Farm Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and safe operation of their solar facilities in and around Port Elizabeth . This critical role involves managing day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal performance, and coordinating maintenance activities to maximize energy output and asset lifespan. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, electrical systems, and asset management. You will lead a team of technicians and site staff, working closely with engineering and project management teams. This hybrid role requires regular presence on-site for inspections and team management, with flexibility for remote work and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and performance monitoring of multiple solar PV farms.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and best practices to ensure maximum energy generation and efficiency.
• Manage and coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance activities, including scheduling and resource allocation.
• Supervise and mentor site operations staff and field technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations at all operational sites.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare regular performance reports for management.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including O&M contractors, grid operators, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee inventory management for spare parts and consumables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Conduct site inspections and audits to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.
• Manage budgets for operations and maintenance, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes and technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the operation and maintenance of solar PV power plants.
• Proven experience in managing teams and operational budgets.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technologies, inverters, and grid connection systems.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and performance monitoring software.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the energy sector.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to different sites as needed and perform on-site duties in the Eastern Cape region.
• Project management skills are an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge solar technology and contribute to sustainable energy initiatives. Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications, are provided. This role offers a blend of on-site and remote work, providing flexibility for managing responsibilities effectively in the Port Elizabeth area. A company vehicle or travel allowance may be provided for site visits.