Job Search

Title: Plant Manager - Advanced Water Treatment

Location: Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa

Role Overview

An established engineering and water treatment organisation is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to take responsibility for the overall management, operation, and maintenance of a large industrial water treatment facility. The successful candidate will ensure safe, efficient plant performance while delivering production targets, contractual KPIs, and customer service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Production and Maintenance teams.Drive operational performance and optimise plant availability.Ensure contractual production, quality, and performance KPIs are consistently achieved.Maintain compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and legal requirements.Take accountability for site safety performance and statutory appointments where applicable.Manage financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, procurement, inventory, and profit & loss responsibility.Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation.Monitor plant performance, identify operational risks, and implement corrective actions.Prepare operational reports and performance analyses for management and clients.Manage workforce planning, performance, and resource allocation.Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular reporting and review meetings.Participate in operational standby duties as required.

Requirements

Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering (preferred). Candidates with Mechanical or Civil Engineering qualifications will be considered where supported by relevant water treatment experience.Minimum 3-5 years' experience operating or managing advanced water treatment facilities.Experience with technologies such as: Anaerobic Digestion; Membrane Bioreactors (MBR); Reverse Osmosis (RO); Ultrafiltration (UF); Media FiltrationPrevious people management experience.Demonstrated experience managing industrial plant operations and maintenance.Strong understanding of water treatment assets and plant reliability.Financial management and budget control experience.Strong planning, problem-solving, and process troubleshooting skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.A proactive, accountable, and safety-focused leadership style. Read less

Plant Manager - Renewable Energy

A leading renewable energy operator is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to take full responsibility for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of multiple utility‑scale energy assets, with a strong focus on Balance of Plant (BoP), site leadership, and performance optimisation. This is a senior, site‑based role requiring strong technical expertise, operational leadership, and a commitment to safety, reliability, and asset performance.

Role Overview:

The Plant Manager will lead the on‑site O&M team and be accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of multiple renewable energy facilities.

You will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including maintenance planning, contractor management, compliance, and performance monitoring, ensuring assets meet contractual, technical, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Maintenance Leadership

· Lead and manage all O&M activities across multiple sites

· Ensure optimal operation and maintenance of Balance of Plant (BoP) systems

· Develop and implement long‑term plant health and maintenance strategies

· Oversee both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities in line with OEM requirements

Performance & Asset Reliability

· Ensure plant availability, reliability, and operational efficiency

· Monitor and manage KPIs such as availability, MTTR, MTBF, and response times

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise plant performance

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

· Ensure full compliance with HSE standards, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements

· Promote a strong safety culture across all site activities

· Oversee environmental compliance and implementation of environmental management plans

Team & Contractor Management

· Lead, develop, and manage site teams and subcontractors

· Establish staffing requirements and ensure team competency and training

· Foster a high‑performance culture focused on accountability and delivery

Contracts, Compliance & Governance

· Ensure compliance with all project agreements (PPA, O&M agreements, grid codes, etc.)

· Manage contractor performance, warranties, and service agreements

· Authorise work permits and ensure safe execution of on‑site activities

Planning, Budgeting & Reporting

· Develop annual O&M plans and manage operational budgets

· Oversee inventory and spare parts management

· Ensure effective use of CMMS systems for maintenance and reporting

· Provide accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders

Stakeholder & Site Management

· Manage relationships with landowners, contractors, and project stakeholders

· Coordinate site access and security

· Liaise with OEMs and contractors for technical and operational matters

Qualifications & Experience:

· National Diploma (minimum) or Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

· 10+ years' experience in the energy sector, preferably within renewable energy

· At least 5 years' experience in power plant O&M, ideally wind, solar, or BESS

· Strong knowledge of electrical infrastructure, substations, and overhead lines

· Proven experience managing site‑based teams and contractors

Read less