Operations Manager
Globeleq
Operations
Kenya
Posted on Apr 11, 2025
Globeleq is a leading independent power producer actively developing and operating power projects in Africa. With diverse portfolio, the company utilizes various technologies to generate reliable and sustainable energy.
The Menengai Geothermal Project is a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant, forming part of the first phase of the larger Menengai complex. This marks Kenya’s second large scale geothermal development after Olkaria. Once the plant reaches commercial operation at the end of 2025, Globeleq will be responsible for its operation and maintenance (O&M).
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) a Kenyan government owned entity will supply steam to the project under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA).
Electricity generated will be sold to Kenya Power, the national distribution company under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the same period. The project will deliver clean, affordable and reliable baseload power to Kenya’s national grid, supporting the monetization of Menengai geothermal resources.
As the project shareholder, Globeleq is leading its construction, operation and long-term management.
We have partnered with Smart4Energy for this recruitment, in case of any queries kindly reach out to the team by emailing hello@smart4energytalent.com
The Menengai Geothermal Project is a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant, forming part of the first phase of the larger Menengai complex. This marks Kenya’s second large scale geothermal development after Olkaria. Once the plant reaches commercial operation at the end of 2025, Globeleq will be responsible for its operation and maintenance (O&M).
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) a Kenyan government owned entity will supply steam to the project under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA).
Electricity generated will be sold to Kenya Power, the national distribution company under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the same period. The project will deliver clean, affordable and reliable baseload power to Kenya’s national grid, supporting the monetization of Menengai geothermal resources.
As the project shareholder, Globeleq is leading its construction, operation and long-term management.
We have partnered with Smart4Energy for this recruitment, in case of any queries kindly reach out to the team by emailing hello@smart4energytalent.com
- Application Deadline
- April 22, 2025
- Department
- Business Operations
- Employment Type
- Permanent
- Location
- Kenya
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Reporting To
- Plant Manager
Main Purpose of Role
- Develop and improve the systems and practices within the Plant.
- Be part of key pre /post Commercial Operation Date (COD) milestones in readiness for successful commissioning and COD.
- Recruit, train and develop high performing operations and technical team.
- Lead to ensure that the operations team is fully resourced with adequately trained and skilled individuals to operate the Plant sustainably for the long term.
- Work closely with the HR Manager and Plant Manager on all people related matters, with a specific focus on employee engagement and championing technical, safety and soft skills training.
- Optimise required systems to operate the Power Plant.
- Develop, establish and ensure effective and efficient implementation of policies and standards for the operation of the Power Plant.
- Responsible for all aspects of Power Plant operations.
- Implement operational and emergency procedures associated with relevant standards, legislation, and compliance with the PPA and PISSA agreements.
- Understand safe operation of geothermal steam turbine and associated control and high voltage systems in the Plant and effectively communicating with broad stakeholder base.
- Ensure the availability, safety and security of equipment.
Key Result Areas
Mobilisation Period (Pre-COD)
- Produce Operation phase HSESS Manual and update the Integrated HSESS Management System to ensure consistency with operation phase.
- Review and asses O&M Manuals, manufacturers recommendations and procedures for quality and completeness for operations and maintenance of the Plant.
- Development of Plant records and provide regular mobilisation status reports.
- Assist in monthly invoicing (KPLC and GDC)
- Assist and contribute to the development of Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and populate Plant database of initial Maintenance and Annual plan.
- Develop Plant specific operating procedures prior to Tests on Completion in the EPC Contract.
- Catalogue EPC Punch List items and attend EPC Contractor led training and pre-commissioning activities.
Operation Period (Post COD)
- Ensure compliance with all GQ, GDC Health, Safety, Environment and Social and Security (HSESS), policies, laws, and regulations.
- Master all Plant processes as outlined in O&M manuals supervising the operations team to ensure that they perform all the duties necessary to safely and efficiently operate the Plant equipment, meet dispatch and availability requirements and complete all required reports.
- Responsible for directing the operations team for operation routines, switching operations, planning and conducting annual capacity tests, monitoring of equipment operating trends, and taking the initiative to prevent equipment trips, outages and damage.
- Develop and implement standard Plant operating procedures, casualty control procedures, and control room practices to accepted industry standards and ensure that the Plant is operated in compliance with best engineering practices and prudent industry practice.
- Continue and improve the effectiveness of the testing programs for all Plant equipment; the defined outcome is to improve equipment reliability. Perform root cause analysis on all incidents and apply corrective actions.
- Ensure effectiveness of permit-to-work, Lock Out, and Tag Out systems.
- Continue to improve and implement the operator qualification courses, books, and manuals for all operating systems, including safety programs.
- Ensure the Plant operates in accordance with O&M Manuals from the EPC Contractor.
- Ensure that the operations team is trained and developed as required to ensure knowledge of and ability to comply with programs and procedures.
- Ensure that the Plant is operated safely and efficiently in accordance with requirements in Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA) and Operation and Maintenance Agreement.
- Ensures and optimizes availability of the Plant, maximizes the efficiency of generation of Net Electrical Output, and minimises the Parasitic load
- Coordinate with head-office support groups (e.g., Globeleq Ops, HSESS, HR, Legal) as required ensuring relevant individuals are fully briefed on operational matters.
- Assist the Plant Manager in the preparation of departmental budgets and objectives.
- Work with the Maintenance Manager in administering the preventative and corrective maintenance program via CMMS.
- Work closely with the Plant Manager and Human Resources Manager to ensure that resourcing and personnel requirements are identified and proactively managed.
- Identify opportunities and take action to improve Plant output, availability, and reduce parasitic load.
- Develop and implements HSESS management systems, processes, and procedures that improve business operations in accordance with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
Requirements, Skills and Attributes
Education:
- Degree in Engineering or Diploma holder with significant operational experience in large power stations or geothermal power plant
- Registered with Engineers Registration Board of Kenya
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years in operations of large power plants or similar industry.
The nature of this role will require the post holder to be a self-starter with high levels of focused drive to achieve high availability and reliability of the plant.
A key objective will be developing and improving existing systems and practices. The following are required for the role:
A key objective will be developing and improving existing systems and practices. The following are required for the role:
- Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments,
- In depth knowledge of management principles and practices,
- Sound financial planning and budgeting skills together with understanding, managing and interpreting financial information,
- Demonstrated ability in employee development and performance management skills,
- Proven understanding of geothermal power Plant,
- Proven understanding of CMMS systems and how to utilize such in operations monitoring,
- Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures,
- Good understanding and ability in English,
- Working Knowledge on ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Standards,
- Highly accurate, organized and detail oriented.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Team player,
- Time management skills,
- Trustworthy and ethical.
About Globeleq
We develop, own and operate power plants utilising various technologies across the African continent. With many years of international industry experience, the support of committed shareholders, and long-standing project, technology, finance and government partnerships, we have the financial strength, management and operational expertise to power Africa to realise its potential.
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