Solar O&M Manager

Network Engineering; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Engineering is seeking an experienced Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manager to oversee the performance, maintenance and optimisation of solar PV installations in Centurion. You will drive plant availability, energy generation and compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities include leading technical teams, coordinating maintenance across sites, analysing SCADA data, managing budgets and SLAs, and collaborating with engineering and commercial teams to maximise asset value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in electrical engineering or related technical field.
• Proven experience in solar PV operations, maintenance or asset management.
• Experience leading technical teams and contractors.
• Strong understanding of solar PV systems, electrical infrastructure and power generation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of solar PV plants to maximise performance and availability.
• Develop and implement preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Monitor plant performance, energy generation, and RCPI ratios to identify improvements.
• Lead technical teams, field technicians, and contractors; manage SLAs and budgets.
• Analyse SCADA data to identify faults and root causes; implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations and industry standards.

Skills

Solar PV systems

SCADA knowledge

Team leadership

Electrical safety

Maintenance planning

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

SCADA platforms

Remote monitoring

Maintenance budgeting

Job description

Reference: NES028762-RS-1 An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manager to oversee the operational performance, maintenance and technical optimisation of solar PV installations. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring maximum plant availability, energy generation, operational efficiency and compliance with relevant industry standards. This role requires a technically strong and commercially minded professional with experience managing solar PV assets, maintenance teams, service providers and operational performance across utility-scale or commercial solar installations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations and maintenance activities of solar PV plants and installations, ensuring optimal system performance, reliability and availability.
• Develop, implement and oversee preventative, corrective and predictive maintenance strategies to minimise equipment failures and operational downtime.
• Monitor solar plant performance, energy generation, system availability and performance ratios to identify operational inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee the maintenance and performance of solar PV modules, inverters, transformers, switchgear, substations, electrical distribution systems and associated balance-of-system equipment.
• Coordinate scheduled maintenance activities, inspections, testing, fault finding and repairs across solar installations.
• Manage and supervise technical teams, field technicians, contractors and external service providers to ensure effective maintenance and operational delivery.
• Analyse SCADA data, monitoring systems and performance reports to identify faults, investigate underperformance and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations, environmental requirements, operational procedures and applicable industry standards.
• Manage equipment warranties, maintenance contracts, service-level agreements (SLAs) and relationships with OEMs and technical suppliers.
• Oversee spare parts management, maintenance budgets, procurement requirements and operational expenditure.
• Investigate equipment failures and recurring technical issues, implementing root cause analysis and long-term solutions to improve plant reliability.
• Prepare and present regular operational reports covering plant performance, maintenance activities, energy production, downtime, costs and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Work closely with engineering, project management and commercial teams to support asset optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure effective health, safety and environmental (HSE) practices across all operations and maintenance activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy yields, reduce operating costs and extend the operational lifespan of solar assets.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, BTech or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in solar PV operations, maintenance or renewable energy asset management.
• Previous experience managing technical teams, contractors and maintenance activities.
• Strong understanding of solar PV systems, electrical infrastructure and power generation equipment.
• Experience with SCADA systems, remote monitoring platforms and solar plant performance analysis.
• Knowledge of preventative and corrective maintenance methodologies.
• Understanding of electrical safety regulations, statutory compliance and relevant industry standards.
• Strong financial, operational and project management capabilities.

Technical Competencies

• Solar PV plant operations and maintenance.
• Utility-scale and/or commercial solar installations.
• Inverter and PV system troubleshooting.
• Electrical distribution and substation infrastructure.
• SCADA monitoring and performance analysis.
• Preventative and predictive maintenance planning.
• Root cause analysis and fault diagnosis.
• Asset performance optimisation.
• Contractor and OEM management.
• Maintenance budgeting and cost control.