Plant Manager – Solar/BESS – Free State (Site-Based)

NB: 15-Month contract

Are You Ready to Lead and Optimise Operations?

Are you an experienced Plant Manager with a passion for renewable energy and a proven track record in operations and maintenance (O&M)? We are looking for a skilled leader with 10+ years’ experience, ideally within the solar PV and BESS sector, who is also GCC certified and ready to take charge of a cutting-edge solar plant operation.

As the Plant Manager, you’ll be the key to ensuring the efficient and smooth operation of the solar facility, overseeing everything from day-to-day management to maintenance schedules, performance optimization, and technical troubleshooting. If you thrive in a multi-tasking environment, where no two days are the same, this role is for you.

You’ll be responsible for coordinating with a team of engineers, leading maintenance operations, ensuring financial management, and liaising with Eskom and stakeholders. Whether it’s managing high-voltage electrical systems, ensuring safety compliance, or optimising solar plant performance, you’ll bring your technical expertise and leadership skills to every aspect of the operation.

Our client is a leading global developer of renewable energy projects, with a strong presence in South Africa. Specialising in both wind and solar energy, they are behind several large-scale renewable energy projects, including two wind farms and a solar plant.

As the ideal candidate, you bring a combination of technical knowledge and leadership agility. You are experienced in solar PV plant and BESS operations, system uptime optimisation, and inverter performance, but you also possess the strategic insight to drive continuous improvement. Whether it’s managing predictive maintenance or optimizing plant performance data, you’ll be integral to the success of the facility.

If you are ready to take on the challenge and make an impact in the renewable energy industry, we want to hear from you. Apply today!

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• GCC in Engineering – Highly preferred for overseeing plant operations
• Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is essential
• Additional certifications in Health, Safety, Environmental (SHEQ), and Project Management are advantageous

• 10+ years in O&M management of solar PV plants, including BESS and grid integration with Eskom
• 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role, leading teams of technicians, engineers, and contractors
• Strong experience in managing utility-scale solar installations with a focus on preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance
• Proficient in SCADA systems and predictive maintenance software, with a proven track record of using data analysis to drive performance improvements
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, and SHEQ standards, ensuring full regulatory compliance in safety, environmental, and operational practices

• Oversee Daily Operations of Solar PV Facility: Manage all aspects of the solar plant operations in Parys, ensuring the efficient and reliable generation of clean energy through solar PV systems and battery energy storage (BESS)
• Lead Maintenance and Performance Optimization: Implement and manage preventative maintenance schedules, corrective repairs, and predictive maintenance programs to ensure maximum uptime and system efficiency
• Monitor Plant Performance: Use SCADA systems and data analytics to continuously monitor solar plant performance, identify performance bottlenecks, and troubleshoot any technical issues related to inverters, solar arrays, and energy storage systems
• Ensure Compliance with Safety and Environmental Standards: Lead and enforce SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) compliance, ensuring the plant meets all safety regulations, ISO standards, and environmental guidelines
• Budget and Resource Management: Develop, manage, and optimise the annual operational budget (AOP), including overseeing the allocation of resources such as personnel, materials, and equipment, while ensuring cost-effective operations
• Team Leadership and Staff Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of technicians, engineers, and contractors, providing continuous training, performance evaluations, and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability
• Stakeholder and Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with Eskom, contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with local laws and regulations
• Report Plant Performance and Operational Data: Prepare and deliver daily, weekly, and monthly reports on plant performance, downtime analysis, and maintenance activities, providing actionable insights to senior management
• Manage High-Voltage Systems: Oversee the operation and maintenance of low, medium, and high-voltage electrical systems (LV, MV, HV), ensuring the safe and compliant integration of solar energy into the grid
• Drive Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Continuously assess and implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance plant efficiency, energy production, and overall performance, keeping the facility at the forefront of solar energy technology

• Excellent data analysis skills
• Proficiency in using SCADA systems
• Ability to manage plant O&M budgets
• Proactive and results-driven
• Detail-oriented and analytical
• Strong decision-maker