Head of Operations & Maintenance
Head of Operations & Maintenance
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Sector: Renewable Energy | Independent Power Producer (IPP)
About the Organisation
Our client is an independent power producer (IPP) focused on developing, owning and operating renewable energy assets across Southern Africa. The organisation has an established portfolio of utility-scale solar projects and an active growth strategy that includes the development of wind energy projects.
The business is seeking an experienced Head of Operations & Maintenance to lead the operational performance, reliability and maintenance of its renewable energy portfolio, while building the O&M capability required to support its continued growth.
The Role
Reporting to senior executive management, the Head of Operations & Maintenance will take overall responsibility for the effective operation and maintenance of the organisation's renewable energy assets across the Southern African region.
The successful candidate will lead the O&M function, establish consistent operational processes and standards across multiple sites, and ensure that assets operate safely, reliably and efficiently. The role will also involve preparing the organisation's operational capability for the integration of future wind projects.
This is a senior operational leadership position requiring direct experience managing the O&M of operating, utility-scale renewable energy assets. It is not primarily an EPC, construction or project delivery role.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Maintenance Leadership
Develop and implement the overall O&M strategy, policies, procedures and operating standards across the renewable energy portfolio.
Lead the day-to-day operational performance and maintenance of utility-scale solar PV assets.
Ensure plants achieve agreed availability, performance, reliability and energy-yield targets.
Establish consistent operational practices and reporting across geographically dispersed sites.
Identify operational risks, underperformance and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Asset Performance & Reliability
Monitor plant performance and operational KPIs, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions.
Oversee preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance programmes.
Ensure effective maintenance planning, outage coordination and fault resolution.
Drive equipment reliability and optimise plant availability and lifecycle performance.
Oversee the use and effectiveness of maintenance management systems, technical records and reporting processes.
Contractor, OEM & Service Provider Management
Manage relationships and performance of O&M contractors, OEMs and specialist service providers.
Monitor contractual obligations, service-level agreements and maintenance performance.
Ensure contractors deliver work safely, efficiently and in accordance with agreed standards.
Lead technical and operational discussions relating to plant performance, defects, warranties and equipment failures.
Financial & Commercial Management
Develop and manage O&M budgets, forecasts and operational expenditure.
Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising safety, reliability or asset performance.
Oversee procurement of maintenance services, equipment and critical spares.
Monitor contractor costs and ensure appropriate commercial and contractual controls are in place.
Health, Safety, Environment & Compliance
Promote a strong safety culture across all operational sites.
Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, environmental standards and industry best practice.
Oversee operational risk assessments, incident investigations and corrective-action programmes.
Ensure appropriate procedures are in place for site safety, contractor management and emergency response.
People & Team Leadership
Lead, develop and strengthen the O&M team across the regional portfolio.
Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations and reporting structures.
Build technical and operational capability within the organisation.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and high operational standards.
Future Asset Integration
Prepare the O&M function for the operational requirements of future renewable energy developments, including wind projects.
Contribute operational and maintenance input during project development, design and construction.
Support the development of maintenance strategies, budgets, resourcing plans and operational systems ahead of commercial operation.
Ensure effective transition from construction and commissioning into long-term operations.
Experience & Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
A minimum of 10 years' experience in the energy or renewable energy sector, with substantial operational and maintenance experience.
Direct experience in a senior O&M leadership or management role for operating, utility-scale renewable energy assets, particularly solar PV and/or wind.
Proven responsibility for the operational performance and maintenance of assets following commercial operation.
Experience managing multi-site operations and geographically dispersed technical teams.
A strong understanding of plant availability, performance monitoring, reliability and maintenance planning.
Experience managing O&M budgets, contractors, OEMs and service-level agreements.
A sound understanding of O&M contracts, operational risk, HSE and regulatory compliance.
Experience working across Southern Africa or other African markets will be advantageous.
Exposure to both solar PV and wind assets would be beneficial.
A degree or relevant qualification in Electrical, Mechanical or another relevant Engineering discipline is preferred. Additional qualifications in operations management, asset management or project management would be advantageous.
Important Candidate Considerations
This role requires someone who has actually managed the operations and maintenance of operating, utility-scale renewable energy plants.
Candidates whose experience is limited to the following will not meet the core requirements:
Commercial and industrial (C&I), rooftop or residential solar installations only.
EPC, construction or project delivery without subsequent operational O&M responsibility.
Commissioning, engineering consultancy or technical support roles without direct O&M management accountability.
Experience in delivering renewable energy projects is valuable, but must be complemented by hands-on operational leadership experience.
Location & Travel
The successful candidate will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa, or willing to relocate to the area. The position will require regular travel to operational sites across Southern Africa.
Head of Operations & Maintenance
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