Elandsfontein: Solar Operations and Maintenance Manager

REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energies, or a relevant tertiary technical qualification At least 5 years of relevant and proven experience and background in the Solar and renewable energy industry, and specifically project and contract management in Solar, PV, and utilities Proven track record of at least 5 years in a managerial role leading people and managing resources in a changing and dynamic environment Possesses superior organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with shifting deadlines Previous experience working with contract regulations and the related laws is strongly preferred Experience in analysing and interpreting energy generation data, virtual PPAs, green tariffs, and wholesale energy market data Experience in building cross-functional relationships Computer literacy (MS Office Suite, SAP, ERP Systems, and job-specific software systems) Knowledge of relevant business processes Knowledge of quality management systems, processes and procedures Excellent math abilities and working knowledge of data analysis/ statistical methods CORE COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES Effective problem-solver, able to manage change and can also come up with new ideas and solutions Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both customers and all levels of staff Ability to deal with uncertainty Strong proven leadership and management A keen eye for detail and a results-driven approach Strategic and long-term thinker High energy level Goal-orientated Initiative and creative Emphasising excellence and achievement A coach and mentor to his team and colleagues Team-oriented and cooperative Able to operate in an uncertain, non-deterministic environment Assertive Resilient Works well under pressure KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS Strategy development and execution Project planning and scheduling Contract management Solar installations Procurement logistics and inventory management Stakeholder management Financial management People management RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the execution of prime and subcontract agreements with the company’s EPCs, consultants and other external project team members for its growing Utility Scale PV pipeline Assume responsibility for the scheduling and programming success of all EPC contracts, including the installation and implementation of diverse projects Managing a portfolio of renewable energy contracts, including managing contract deliverables, supporting contract negotiation, monitoring project development status, coordinating contract amendments, maintaining contract documents and data, and enforcing contract terms and conditions regarding cost, RECs, and performance Manage a full turnkey solution as negotiated with the end user Oversee multiple projects of varying sizes and complexity, and ensure that projects are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and budgets Ensuring sound communication with customers and subcontractors Ensure all operations are carried on in an appropriate, cost-effective way Improving operational management systems, processes, and best practices Purchase materials, plan inventory and oversee warehouse efficiency Help the organization’s processes remain legally compliant Formulate strategic and operational objectives Examine financial data and use it to improve profitability Manage budgets and forecasts Perform quality controls and monitor production KPIs Find ways to increase the quality of customer service Provide technical support for the design, construction, commissioning, and operations of the solar farm site Responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance, reporting, fiscal and administrative functions of the site and for achieving company and group activities Monitor and manage site performance and availability Supervise site operating personnel, including subcontractors and consultants, to ensure quality and conformance to specifications, budgets, schedule, and corporate policies Manage and coordinate the site NECR compliance process Manage all areas of responsibility consistent with national and local regulations as well as environmental requirements; company policies and procedures, the company’s annual operations plan, legal and contractual requirements, and good solar industry practices while operating in a clean, safe, efficient, and economical manner Take all necessary actions to protect the facility’s operating permits Carry out all responsibilities under environmental legislation, develop and ensure adherence to proper procedures to prevent environmental spills, monitor, record any non-compliances, and environmental spills, ensure proper training of personnel on transportation of dangerous goods, promote awareness for the environment and the requirements of environmental compliance Develops and utilises a site’s Environmental Management System Approve, or as required, submit for approval, documents and procedures that will be used on the sites Utilise a computer-based automated Maintenance Management system (CMMS) to organize equipment commissioning, operations, and maintenance files, to identify trends, to take corrective action, and to maintain equipment performance by maximising plant capacity factor, availability, performance, efficiency, and revenue Maintain grounds consistent with solar operations Prepare annual operating plans, budgets, and controls for operating at budgeted levels with appropriate justification and approval for variances, including sites’ outages (compliant with dispatching needs) and operating shift schedules to accommodate facility operation and scheduled maintenance Work closely with sales and engineering teams to offer the best solutions for each project Work with the internal operations team throughout project development and implementation Coordinate and manage installation teams on multiple projects simultaneously to perform all the contract/ project requirements Assure compliance with all SHEQ-related issues, including risk assessment Ensure the safe use of equipment and schedule regular maintenance Attend customer meetings and presentations throughout the sales cycle, if necessary Submit reports on performance and progress