Operations Manager - (5-year Contract) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Job Purpose;

• The Operations Manager (OM) will implement and administer all aspects of the product offering within SARETEC and coordinate the development and management of the academic and training programmes, managing the staff and their performance.
• The OM will be accountable for the service, maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of the SARETEC Building, infrastructure and general occupational health and safety. The OM will secure funding and new business in support of SARETEC operations.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)
• At least 6 (six) years of experience in renewable energy related R&D and/or education/training.
• At least 6 (six) years of experience in project management of engineering-based projects.
• At least 6 (six) years of experience in operations management

Recommendations:

• Established contacts within the Renewable Energy industry and with associated governmental and non-governmental organisations.
• Exposure to international Renewable Energy industry and training organisations
• Experience with CPUT Administration and management or any other University or Training Institution
• Operations Management training/qualification
• Project Management training/qualification
• Renewable Energy training/qualification
• 6+ years relevant experience
• 6+ years in a management role supervising staff, academic programmes and building infrastructure responsibility.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills A good knowledge of Information Systems
• Knowledge and experience in ISO processes i.e., 9001, 45001

 Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities:

Reporting to the Director: SARETEC, the incumbent would, amongst others, be responsible for:

• Implementing and administering all aspects of the academic / training programmes within the Centre.
• Coordinating the development and management of the academic and training programmes of the Centre, including content and content enrichment, online learning material, modules for integration into other university-based academic programmes, project-based learning material etc.
• Managing the academic team and their performance (i.e., Training Department).
• Coordinating applicable qualification registrations with SETA’s and QCTO
• Developing an environment conducive to student development and learning
• Developing and maintaining the links and synergies with the administration systems and units of the University
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Centre including security, inventory and asset register, training events, procurement, maintenance, HR, student affairs, and staff performance management, etc.
• Support the Director in the pursuit of new business ventures or opportunities and funding and stakeholder management.
• Support the Director in managing special projects in related to training support programmes including preparing project proposals, project design, execution, monitoring and evaluation and reporting to CPUT and other related structures such as funders / donors, DHET, etc.
• Coordinate marketing and social media marketing; managing intellectual property rights; amongst others.
• Managing contracts and Service Level Agreements for suppliers that provide services to SARETEC’s Building & Infrastructure and other training related.
• Coordinating staff that undertake cleaning, maintenance, and security.
• Managing budgets including responsibility for initiating and executing procurement related to Building & Infrastructure.
• Manage risk register and implementation of controls and remedial / corrective measures.
• Calculate and compare costs for goods and services to maximize cost-effectiveness.
• Allocating and managing space in the SARETEC building.
• Responsible for Occupational Health & Safety compliance including implementing ISO 45001.
• Overseeing building projects, renovations, or refurbishments and related matters.
• Coordinate the upkeep of equipment to meet health and safety standards and regulatoryrequirements.
• Inspect building structures to determine the need for repairs and renovations including preventative maintenance programs
• Respond appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise including after-hours.
• Support the Director on reporting to SARETEC ManCom, SARETEC Governance Board, Senate and other structures or University sub-committees (i.e., Health and Safety, Energy Cluster, Faculty sub-committees that SARETEC participates in).

Competencies;

• Decision-making and goal orientated
• The ability to lead and manage teams and projects
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Communication skills (i.e., verbal / oral and written)
• Teamwork, self-motivated and self-directed
• Attention to detail but also the ability to see the implications for the bigger picture
• Commercial awareness
• Customer service
• Organisation, time management, prioritising, and the ability to handle a complex, varied workload
• Risk management skills
• Strong problem and conflict solving Skills
• Technical Knowledge
• Basic understanding of DHET norms and standards and Accreditation bodies processes / procedures
• Quality Management Orientated
• People Management Skills
• High Level Planning and Organizing Skills
• Ability to Interpret Laws, Acts and Regulations