15 Maintenance Operations jobs in South Africa

We are looking for a solid Facility Manager that can work in an exciting gym environment. Team player attributes who is able to maintain all aspects of a gym environment; from gym equipment,swimming pools and facilities to a marginal amount of admin which must be completed daily.

• Lead the execution of turnkey solutions in line with client agreements.
• Manage multiple solar and energy storage projects of varying size and complexity.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee procurement, inventory planning, and warehouse operations.
• Monitor and improve operational systems, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Implement and monitor performance KPIs and quality control processes.
• Coordinate technical support during design, construction, commissioning, and operations.
• Supervise site staff, subcontractors, and consultants, ensuring conformance to specifications and timelines.
• Enforce compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality (SHEQ) requirements.
• Maintain and improve site Environmental Management Systems.
• Utilise CMMS software to oversee maintenance scheduling and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and internal Operations teams on project development and delivery.
• Attend client meetings and support the sales process as needed.
• Submit performance and progress reports to internal and external stakeholders.

• Strategy Development & Execution
• Project Planning & Scheduling
• Contract & Risk Management
• Solar Installation Oversight
• Procurement & Inventory Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Financial Planning & Reporting
• Team & People Management

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energies, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in the solar or renewable energy sector, with a focus on project and contract management for utility-scale PV systems.
• Strong background in managing cross-functional teams, project schedules, and site operations.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and procurement.
• Familiarity with contract law and regulatory compliance within the energy sector.
• Track record of working with virtual PPAs, green tariffs, and energy market data is advantageous.
• Skilled in interpreting technical data and energy generation analytics.

• Proficient in MS Office, SAP, ERP, and CMMS or similar systems.
• Strong understanding of business processes and quality management systems.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of data/statistical methods.

Company: Confidential

Location: Stellenbosch

Department: Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

Summary

On behalf of our client, a leading renewable energy company, we are seeking a dedicated and technically savvy
O&M Engineer
to join their dynamic team in Stellenbosch. Our client specializes in Solar PV energy and battery storage solutions within the C&I sector across Southern and Eastern Africa.

This role is instrumental in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of the company's solar and battery storage plants. Reporting to the Head of Asset Management, you will oversee technical solutions and special projects within the O&M team. Success in this position means developing and managing robust systems for performance monitoring, inspection, and preventative maintenance, directly contributing to the company's mission of helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint. This role is crucial for upholding the company's core values of Integrity, Quality, Respect, Accountability, and Dedication, and its overarching value of Ownership.

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight:
  Provide expert technical oversight and support for all field service activities, and support the upgrading of systems to continuously improve O&M functions.
• Systems Development:
  Develop, improve, and assist in setting up ISO compliant systems for comprehensive performance monitoring, inspections, and preventative maintenance of solar and battery storage plants.
• Performance Monitoring:
  Assess and monitor plant errors and faults, ensuring responses are within contractually specified times.
• Fault Resolution:
  Perform on-site troubleshooting and corrective maintenance, liaise with suppliers to resolve faults, and report on resolutions to recommend preventative actions.
• Warranty Management:
  Initiate and manage warranty claim procedures when required.
• Project Support:
  Conduct site assessments during the project bidding phase and perform due diligence on potential project buy-out transactions.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• A technical diploma or degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Engineering, Business Process, or Environmental Science).
• A minimum of
  3 years of post-graduation experience
  in O&M and field services management.
• Direct experience in the
  Solar and/or Battery Storage industry
  is highly beneficial.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Technical Expertise:
  Strong technical understanding of solar PV and battery storage systems, with proven troubleshooting skills.
• Systems Proficiency:
  Experience with O&M monitoring systems and strong general IT skills, including basic database management.
• Communication:
  Excellent interpersonal skills with proficiency in English and Afrikaans.
• Problem-Solving:
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose and resolve technical issues.
• Personal Attributes:
  We're looking for someone who is reliable, well-organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrates a critical and questioning mindset. You must be able to take ownership of the role while working both independently and as a key team member.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Growth & Development:
  The company offers opportunities for professional growth and development and formal training.
• Competitive Package:
  Receive a competitive remuneration package and 20 days of annual leave.
• Impactful Work:
  Be part of a leading company committed to providing innovative energy solutions and helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Introduction

Our client is a leading player in the renewable energy sector. They are seeking an experienced Head of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) to lead the O&M function across a portfolio of utility‑scale renewable assets (primarily solar PV; exposure to BESS and hybrid systems advantageous). You will be accountable for asset performance, safety, contractual compliance, customer satisfaction, and the commercial results of the O&M business.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Set and execute the O&M strategy for South Africa in alignment with group objectives.

• Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing multidisciplinary O&M team (engineering, site operations, HSE, scheduling, spares, reporting).

• Define departmental KPIs and drive a culture of ownership, continuous improvement and safety.

Asset Performance & Maintenance

• Own plant availability, performance ratio (PR), and yield targets across the fleet.

• Oversee preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance programmes, leveraging CMMS and condition‑based monitoring.

• Ensure robust spares management, tooling, and workshop practices; optimise turnaround times and mean time to repair (MTTR).

• Lead root cause analyses (RCA) and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)

• Ensure compliance with the OHS Act, Construction Regulations, Electrical Machinery Regulations and all site‑specific permits.

• Enforce Permit‑to‑Work, LOTO, and Safe Systems of Work; champion zero‑harm culture.

• Coordinate audits, inspections, incident investigations and close‑out actions.

Commercial & Contractual Management

• Manage O&M budgets, cost models and forecasts; deliver P&L targets.

• Administer O&M contracts, SLAs and LTSAs, including OEM warranties and performance guarantees; manage liquidated damages/bonuses per contracts.

• Oversee procurement and subcontractor agreements in line with company policies and B‑BBEE requirements.

Stakeholder, Client & Regulatory Interface

• Act as senior point of contact for asset owners and lenders; provide high‑quality reporting and performance reviews.

• Coordinate with EPC, engineering and grid teams for seamless handover, warranty/defect resolution, upgrades and repowering.

• Interface with Eskom/municipalities and grid operators as required; ensure compliance with grid codes and relevant standards.

Monitoring, Analytics & Reporting

• Oversee SCADA/monitoring systems, data integrity and analytics; track KPIs and energy yield variances.

• Prepare monthly/quarterly performance reports and board‑level presentations; drive data‑informed decision‑making.

• Standardise processes, work instructions and documentation across the fleet.

Emergency Response & Business Continuity

• Lead major incident response, escalation and stakeholder communication.

• Maintain contingency plans for severe weather, grid events and supply‑chain disruptions.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Industrial Engineering (or related discipline).

• 8–12+ years’ experience in power/renewables operations & maintenance, with at least 4–6 years in leadership of multi‑site utility‑scale assets.

• Demonstrated track record improving availability/PR, reducing downtime and delivering contractual KPIs.

• Strong understanding of PV plant systems (modules, inverters, MV/HV infrastructure, protection, transformers, substations); BESS/hybrid experience advantageous.

• Hands‑on experience with CMMS, SCADA and performance analytics; advanced Excel/Power BI (or similar) skills.

• Proven contract, vendor and subcontractor management; warranty claim and OEM interface experience.

• Solid HSEQ knowledge (e.g., SAMTRAC/NEBOSH advantageous); HV/LV switching authorisation an advantage.

• Familiarity with South African regulatory and grid environments; stakeholder engagement with utilities and municipalities.

• Excellent communication and client‑facing skills; ability to influence at executive and site level.

• Language: Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken). Additional South African languages (e.g., Afrikaans) advantageous.

• Other: Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and people development

• Commercial acumen and P&L ownership

• Results‑driven with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability

• Risk management and decision‑making under pressure

• Stakeholder management and negotiation

• Process orientation and continuous improvement mindset

Role purpose :

• To oversee maintenance and upgrading of Network infrastructure in accordance with Towerco specifications, building and civil standards and OPEX budget.
• Provide technical operations and Maintenance support and supervise regional Ops & Main team.

Accountabilities

Core competencies, knowledge and experience :

Key performance indicators :

Budget owned : Yes

Direct reports : Yes

Dotted reports : Yes

As a Solar PV Operations Manager with my client, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of our Solar PV systems. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of system maintenance and operation, ensuring energy production and energy savings align with client expectations and contractual agreements. Your expertise will drive the execution of engineering activities necessary to maintain peak performance across our Solar PV portfolio.

1. Develop and execute comprehensive maintenance plans for Solar PV systems, including scheduling system cleaning, equipment repairs, and proactive identification of faults or potential issues.
2. Conduct regular inspections of equipment and systems to optimize efficiency and identify opportunities for improvement.
3. Monitor and analyze system performance data, implementing corrective actions to address any issues impacting performance.
4. Coordinate with technicians or subcontractors as needed to perform maintenance and repairs, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
5. Manage component warranties and replacements with suppliers and equipment manufacturers, ensuring seamless operation of Solar PV systems.
6. Compile and deliver detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports on system performance, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.

1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, renewable energy, sustainability, business administration, or a related field.
2. Minimum 2 years of experience in the solar PV industry, with a focus on the operation and maintenance of solar PV systems.
3. Strong understanding of Solar PV systems and components, with demonstrated expertise in system maintenance and operation.
4. Highly organized with the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders involved in Solar PV operations.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely.
6. Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to following procedures to ensure the highest standards of system performance and reliability.
7. Proven ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative in problem-solving and decision-making.
8. An honest and hardworking individual with a passion for renewable energy and a drive to excel in the dynamic field of Solar PV operations.

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