Head of Operations at SolarAfrica Energy Pty Ltd

Position of the job in the organisation:

The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Technical Operations.

Principal responsibilities:

• Effective leadership, management, and accounting for the Operations department
• Lead and manage weekly, monthly, and quarterly catchups with employees, teams and across departments to ensure planning is done, issues are raised and actioned, and teams remain focused.
• Grow and mentor your team to assist and support you with the asset management and maintenance for all SolarAfrica-owned and operated assets
• Working with and managing partners and contractors to deliver the necessary maintenance work effectively.
• Manage department lagging and leading KPIs.
• Review and finalise our operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts with the power user and our technical partner (contractor)
• Becoming the main point of contact with both the power user and contractor, taking responsibility for managing these key customer relationships
• Oversee planning of routine and non-routine maintenance work required to meet all our contractual commitments
• Ensuring all maintenance work is carried out according to the approved O&M plan required standards and complies with contract terms.
• Developing and managing O&M budgets and assuming full responsibility for departmental statement of Profit and Loss.
• Conducting an annual performance review meeting with the power user
• Ensure portfolio performance exceeds guaranteed performance.
• Ensure all solar system activities comply with the organisation's regulations, laws, policies, and procedures and the countries where we operate.
• Ensure the required insurance policies are in place and renewed as and when required.
• Liasing with the Procurement Department to managing warranty claims and discussing and negotiating with manufacturers and suppliers any issues related to these warranties
• Negotiating and finalising any contract extensions with either the power user or technical partner
• Develop, maintain and implement our companies’ asset management policies, procedures, and job aids.
• Review and approve internal and external monthly performance reports
• Keeping the Head of Technical Operations informed of all matters regarding the operations and maintenance of our solar systems
• Perform technical investigations and root cause analysis on issues affecting efficient plant operation.
• Technical client presentations as account management support to business development.
• Provide training and mentoring to the divisional managers
• Drive further development of performance analytics tools
• Integration and performance analytics into reporting
• Pursue cross-divisional optimisation
• Effective contract management to ensure internal and external parties deliver on contractual obligations.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Experience

• Five years of managerial experience, of which 2-years were spent in the Solar PV industry relating to asset and O&M management.
• Qualification in engineering: BSc, National Diploma (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated knowledge of the regulations and laws governing health, safety, and environmental matters
• Compilation of departmental budgets as well as active management thereof.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service skills
• Able to effectively multitask and meet strict deadlines in a high-pressure environment
• Driver’s license essential
• Effective communication & interpersonal
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills. Applying theoretical formulae on-site data to analyse faults, performance, and reporting metrics.
• Performance reporting to clients, funders, and contractors.
• Must be able to work to strict deadlines & budgets.
• Proficient in MS Word, Microsoft Projects, and Excel.

Advantageous Skills include:

• Understanding networking equipment and industrial communication protocols like Modbus, RS485, Ethernet, etc.
• Experience in asset management software and tools. Knowledge of 1000V DC systems
• Advanced data analytics skills.
• Remote monitoring of power plants
• CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional)
• Experience conducting RCAs (Root Cause Analysis).

Specific Attributes:

• Experience in working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
• Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving
• Flexible during times of change.
• Honest, mature, dependable.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from various sources, including upper management, customers, and other departments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to learn, understand, and apply modern technologies.
• You must demonstrate good attention to detail, sound judgement, logical decision-making, and a hands-on approach.
• Willing to travel in South Africa and across Africa if required.