Operations and Maintenance Manager -De Aar at TotalEnergies

Activities

• This is a skilled position requiring overall responsibility for managing the maintenance and operations activities of the TotalEnergies SAL PV Storage Project comprising of a PV and BESS hybrid plant, including managing the personnel on the project site.
• Other operational assets may be included in this portfolio after consultation with the Operations and Maintenance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all maintenance and operations initiatives and activities and ensure such are carried out in compliance with the relevant contracts and the TotalEnergies’ goals and objectives.
• Be responsible for the implementation of TotalEnergies’ HSE policy and procedures.
• Reporting : Manage and where required, compile stakeholder report distributions (at the frequency required) so as to ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant project agreements (e.g. O&M Agreement (if internalised), finance agreements, AMA, PPA, IA, etc.).
• Contract management : administer and ensure compliance with the terms and governance of all relevant project agreements, in particular the O&M Agreement.
• Monitor the plants in coordination with TotalEnergies’ O&M monitoring/Asset Management in Cape Town and/or France.
• Perform fault finding and diagnostics on all equipment and assist all zone supervisors in this regard.
• Ensure maintenance and repair on all equipment are carried out timeously and in accordance with the relevant agreements and/or schedules.
• Manage the supervisors on site.
• Manage all contractors/sub-contractors on site.
• Interact with Client Representative and/or Operator on site and facilitate stakeholder site visits.
• Ensure that risks are managed effectively.
• Measure and ensure that projects are delivering returns as forecasted.
• Assess operational performance and identify areas for enhanced performance, through minimising downtime, conducting root cause analyses.
• Work with the key delivery partners to ensure that value is protected, risks managed, and contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Embed a culture of managing each asset with an enterprise-wide view of the project agreements.
• Ensure the company is appropriately organized and staffed as necessary to achieve the approved strategy.
• Lead and manage the operation and maintenance team.
• Ensure lessons learnt is collated and fed back to optimise projects in development.
• Provide the necessary inputs as and when required for Total Energies Long Term Plan (LTP)
• Maintain a strong link with TotalEnergies Assets and Countries division for project updates, tool evolution and global lessons learnt.
• Any other activities that could reasonably be expected from this position.

General Operation and Maintenance Management Tasks (non-exhaustive) 

• Monitor and drive solar and wind and BESS project operational performance by working closely with our O&M contractors to ensure plants meets the base case p50 production expected.
• Prepare annual plans and budgets.
• Project manage plant retrofits/upgrades/optimizations to improve overall plant performance in conjunction with AM team.
• Complete post-EPC close out activities in accordance with the relevant EPC contracts.
• Manage all warranties, guarantees and other project security packages to ensure project risk and exposure levels are maintained and execute claims as required.
• Support project insurance activities and renewal of policies.
• Support the social investment program including meeting each assets Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development obligations.
• Ensure works performed by O&M contractor, sub-contractors and other 3rd parties comply with technical requirements, contractual procedures, TotalEnergies compliance, HSE and ESG requirements, and regulatory standards governing the projects.
• Ensure the accurate and on time execution of all scheduled services, as per the approved O&M plan, including unscheduled maintenance activities.
• Conduct inspections and mini audits to ensure the continuous compliance with its contractual obligations of the O&M contractor on the site.
• Ensure supervisors have the required tools and know-how to perform tasks.
• Ensure weekly inspections of the HV substation, switching yard and surrounding areas are conducted.
• Conduct weekly inspections of all facilities, buildings, stores, etc.
• Manage and oversee the security service provider and train personnel on use of the camera system (if O&M is internalised).
• Conduct / oversee all HV switching activities.
• Review and approve contractual change orders in accordance with governance procedures.
• Support the maintenance and where necessary the renewal of permits, licenses and approvals.
• Review weekly progress reports to identify issues and take corrective action to remedy issues.
• Verify forecasting reports.
• Ensure dispatch compliance (if applicable).

HSE
 To effectively manage and minimise HSE risk within your area of responsibility by ensuring:

• Compliance with all HSE Policies, rules, guideline and legal requirements
• The promotion of a safe working environment and positively contributing to the company's HSE KPIs and risk reduction strategies
• That HSE competency requirements are identified & enforced within your area of responsibility

Candidate Profile

• Electrical engineering, BSc. Eng, B Tech (or equivalent).
• Qualified Electrician and GMR 2.1.
• At least 10 years’ experience in Electrical and/or Mechanical maintenance.
• Good people management and conflict resolution skills.
• A strong background in contract management, preparing maintenance reports, evaluating performance results, compiling and maintaining maintenance schedules, administering maintenance contractors and managing of contractors
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with HV electrical safety procedures and general power plant safety procedures, and all applicable legal requirements.
• Experience with environmental requirements and practices.
• Ability to remain in control and perform effectively under pressure.
• Good administrative skills.
• Prepared to work shifts/overtime when required.
• Physically fit and able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Knowledge of and experience with plant SCADA process control systems
• Knowledge and understanding of the OHS Act.
• MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Willingness to travel.
• Ownership mentality.