Solar PV Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Solar PV Plant Operations Manager to oversee O&M across solar facilities in the Nelspruit region. You will manage site teams, coordinate maintenance, and monitor performance to maximize uptime and safety.

The role requires leading SCADA-based monitoring, data analysis, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Hybrid work balances site visits with office tasks from Nelspruit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years in operations and maintenance of large-scale solar PV plants.
• Proven experience managing operational teams and coordinating O&M activities.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV technology, inverters and SCADA.
• Safety and environmental compliance knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with O&M software and data analysis tools.
• Willingness to travel among regional plant sites.
• Hybrid work model with balance of site visits and office tasks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day O&M of solar PV power plants.
• Lead site operations teams including technicians and staff.
• Develop and implement O&M strategies to maximize energy production.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA and other tools.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate with maintenance contractors and suppliers.
• Manage spare parts inventory and equipment availability.
• Prepare regular performance reports and incident analyses.
• Conduct site inspections and audits.
• Identify opportunities for plant upgrades and improvements.

Skills

O&M management

Leadership

SCADA monitoring

Data analysis

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in related technical field

Tools

SCADA software

OM management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy projects, is seeking an experienced Solar PV Plant Operations Manager to oversee the performance and maintenance of their solar facilities in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This role is critical for ensuring the optimal efficiency, safety, and reliability of our solar power plants. You will manage on-site teams, coordinate maintenance activities, monitor plant performance data, and ensure compliance with all operational and safety regulations. The position is based in our Nelspruit office, with a hybrid work model allowing for effective management of site operations while providing flexibility. We are committed to operational excellence and sustainable energy generation, offering a challenging and rewarding career in a growing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance (O&M) of solar PV power plants.
• Manage and lead site operations teams, including technicians and administrative staff.
• Develop and implement O&M strategies to maximize energy production and minimize downtime.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA systems and other monitoring tools, identifying and addressing any deviations.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Coordinate with maintenance contractors and suppliers to ensure timely and effective repairs and servicing.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure the availability of necessary equipment and materials.
• Prepare regular performance reports, including energy yield, availability, and incident analysis.
• Conduct site inspections and audits to ensure operational standards are met.
• Identify opportunities for plant upgrades and performance improvements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational procedures within the energy sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in the operations and maintenance of large-scale solar PV power plants.
• Proven experience in managing operational teams and coordinating O&M activities.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, inverters, and SCADA monitoring systems.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in the energy industry.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using O&M management software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to problem-solve effectively and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Willingness to travel to various plant sites within the region as needed.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model, balancing site visits and office-based tasks from our Nelspruit location.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in solar technology and operations management, are provided.
• This hybrid role, based in Nelspruit, offers flexibility while ensuring active management of our vital renewable energy assets.
• Join a company dedicated to powering the future with clean, sustainable energy.