SA - Plant Manager Parys

Summary of Role:

The Plant Manager will be responsible for the organisation and processing of daily operations of the facility which includes the solar Park, inter-connected power network and interaction with Eskom.  It includes all PV operations for maintenance and repair, performance, and profitability. Manage all PV Facility employees, contractors, support teams, and are responsible for insuring the smooth operation of PV Facility activities. Plant Managers collaborate with the Operations Manager, PV service personnel, utility companies, and contractors to ensure the proper and safe operation of the facility. They manage maintenance schedules and unexpected maintenance needs, respond to changes in energy demand, address system faults and plant start-up after system faults. Responsible for compiling, and monitoring of daily, weekly, monthly reports, compiling and managing of AOP and budgets. The plant manager facilitates on-site training, authorisations, SHEQ training, personnel scheduling, and service optimization. The carry the legal responsibilities as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They support and maintain public and landowner relationships, and address community, local government, and regulatory body concerns in conjunction with ED Manager. Plant Manager carry the legal appointment as employer representatives and designated person.

What you will do:

• Plan, organise, direct and run optimum day-to-day operations for Solar PV and BESS installations to exceed our customers’ expectations.

• Increase production, asset capacity and flexibility while minimizing unnecessary costs and maintaining current quality standards

• Coordinate maintenance, performance and warranty work for PV facility and plant operation.

• Oversee daily operations of the maintenance fleet and teams.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules, inspections, and procedures for preventive preventative maintenance and timely repairs. Coordinate with customers and contractors to schedule maintenance and outages - resolve any issues.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of switching plans which cover all scenarios for planned switching activities on LV, MV and HV – according to the MRP HVOR.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and update customer information as necessary.
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Manage emergency responses to equipment failures and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Managing the processes by which site data is handled and analysed. Ensuring that all proactive monitoring is carried out effectively with appropriate alarms and failures being directed via the appropriate channels.
• Daily, weekly and Monthly Reporting & Monitoring.
• Performance, Downtime and Availability Analysis.
• Compiling, Reviewing, approving and distributing monthly reports.
• Following up on significant performance issues either internally or with appropriate 3rd parties.
• Reviewing all current service/maintenance records and any issues identified.
• Allocate resources effectively and fully utilize assets to produce optimal results.
• Lead, supervise and mentor a team of maintenance technicians, conducting performance evaluations and providing guidance and training as needed.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Address employees’ matters or grievances and administer collective agreements
• Manage team schedules, workload distribution, and resource allocation.
• Administer contracts and manage certain on-site contractor activities, like roads, panel washing, grass cutting, etc.
• Ensuring Plant Maintenance Contractors are working effectively with all parties to ensure that contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Daily engagements and monthly meetings with employees and contractor employees on site
• Implement quality control measures and conduct audits to ensure high standards of workmanship.
• Resolve issues related to maintenance quality and maintain documentation and records.
• Oversee procurement, inventory, and maintenance of tools, equipment, and spare parts.
• Compiling and manage AOP for the plant
• Manage maintenance budget, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and resources.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor and optimize system performance.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address recurring issues and implement performance improvements.
• Primarily responsibility for site Health and Safety and carry legal appointment as employer representative and designated person.
• Ensure Safety and plant incidents are investigated by applying the necessary RCA process in alignment with company timelines
• Do regular self-audits on safety systems to ensure plant remain compliant
• Monthly safety meetings and member of statutory committee
• Maintain regulatory compliance with all operational requirement, state, and local regulations and associated permits, including all applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations
• Stay updated on industry trends,  advancements in solar energy technology and best practices to enhance maintenance operations.
• Oversee and administer site computer hardware/software systems including the predictive maintenance and work asset management systems, such as SCADA.
• Co-ordination with the Construction Project Manager and EPC Contractors during handover from construction to operations.
• Working alongside the Economic Development Manager.

What we require:

The Plant Manager must have appropriate engineering skills, knowledge and experience.  A good standard of technical education is required with Renewable Energy Plant experience being an advantage.  (Degree preferable but relevant industrial experience will also be considered).

The position demands a highly organised approach and the ability to lead a small but closely-knit team.  The Plant Manager will have a number of Technicians as direct reports so must have appropriate management and administrative experience in the sector.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years relevant applicable experience in Operations and Maintenance management of a utility scale power plant or similar.
• Degree in an Engineering discipline preferred but experience will be considered.
• GCC certificate.
• Staff and Contractor / Contract / Financial management experience.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills, as well as good interpersonal relationships.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Computer literate.
• Good command of English and Afrikaans preferable.
• Driver’s licence.
• Authorised to operate on low, medium and High-Voltage Systems

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisation, to be part of a diverse workplace with regards to gender, age and cultural background in the most exciting industry in the world today. You will receive a very competitive total benefits package including an excellent base salary, bonus scheme and share options. 

Career development 

• Excellent training (an average 54 hours a year) 
• Career progression
• Self-paced online learning portal for micro courses across a range of functional and inter personal skills

Shared financial success  

• A competitive, industry benchmarked and cost-of-living linked salary, reviewed annually
• Performance bonus 
• Share options
• Salary contribution to your pension fund and private medical cover

Work/life balance 

• WFH in a hybrid working arrangement
• Generous annual leave, plus a community or charity work day each year
• Paid maternity, parental, adoptive and bereavement leave 
• Parental transitional coaching

True diversity & inclusion 

• Equal opportunity targets 
• GWEC Women in Wind and Mainstream Women in Renewables programmes 
• You can be you, whatever your gender, colour or sexual orientation

Care for health & wellbeing  

• Life cover 
• Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your family