Technical Manager (Solar)

Job ID

2024-1689

Category

Power Production

Location : City

Ceres

Location : Country (Full Name)

South Africa

Want to join a frontrunner in renewable energy that is actively seeking early entry into new markets globally? Since the establishment in 2007, Scatec has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in developing, building, and operating solar, wind and hydro power plants and storage solutions. Driven by our company values and competent global workforce, we aim to deliver competitive and sustainable renewable energy globally; protect our environment and improve quality of life through innovative integration of technology; and create shareholder value. We are present on four continents and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Main purpose of the position

Currently we are looking for a Technical Manager in Grootfontein in Ceres, South Africa to be part of our global team working together towards our vision – Improving our future. As our Technical Manager you will be responsible to oversee and lead the creation and implementation of best practice maintenance vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance of the Solar PV Project in Grootfontein, Ceres, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Main Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and control all maintenance activities on CMMS of the facilities including analysing equipment needs, reliability issues, developing and improving preventive/predictive maintenance programs
• Coordinates oversees, and/or control repair and maintenance work assignments performed by technicians, vendors, and contractors performing maintenance
• Effectively delegate any maintenance issues to be resolved on each shift and small projects to the right skills in the team, planning and managing effective works
• Develop and update the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedule, ensure full preventative maintenance is carried out, plan in missed maintenance activities, and coordinate and lead the team to deliver effectively
• Assist in compiling Risk Assessments and associated Method Statements for key maintenance tasks
• Audit and ensure compliance of the engineering data systems
• Schedule both internal and external work(s) maximising planned down time and reducing unplanned downtime
• Initiate the optimisation of equipment according to standard procedure, enhancing performance and quality, ensuring the achievement of all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Ensure routine calibration and maintenance requirements of a plant equipment and tools as per OEM and contractual requirements
• Develop clear accountability for maintenance material/services and spend combined with a strategy to manage expenditure
• Manage the process of the introduction of new plant and equipment from drawing up the specification, to managing suppliers through to full installation in collaboration with all relevant parties and internal stakeholders
• Manage the process of disposal of obsolete machinery, plant and equipment from gaining agreement to write off to physically removing it and its safe and lawful disposal
• Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions
• Produce written technical reports and make presentations
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems
• Identify business improvement opportunities within the facilities
• Provide technical expertise to the team
• Identify and deploy the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required
• Stay current and up to date on any change(s) that may affect the supply and demand of needed spare parts and materials and advise others of any impact
• Conduct assessments and document of processes and tasks in the department in line with organization strategy e.g., LEAN strategy
• Oversee and audit contractors on site to ensure they meet legal and company requirements
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
• Designated as GMR2(7), assisting GMR2(1) to ensure supervision and operation of machinery in terms of the OHS Act

People Management

• Coach and develop a high performing Maintenance team that meets agreed objectives, and which delivers best practice results, added value and continuous improvements
• Propose objectives/KPIs and review and assess ongoing performance of maintenance team(s) to O&M Manager
• Report on achievement of maintenance targets and identify any actions required
• Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the maintenance team(s) so that each member of the team understands the standards and behaviours expected of them
• Review, and update company records e.g., technical training matrices

Financial and Budget Control

• Assisting the O&M Manager with annual budget preparation for facility maintenance and maintaining efficient cost control by operating within the operational budget set for the facilities
• Assist in preparing long term maintenance forecast expenditure and all capital expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards

Reporting

• Assist in managing and coordinating the required operational reports
• Prepare communication of Plant significant events to top management
• Assist in preparing communication/notifications to external stakeholders, e.g., Network operator

Qualifications And Competencies

• National Technical Diploma in Electrical Engineering (N6) or NQF equivalent/NDIP: Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
• ECSA registration is an advantage
• Registered as Candidate Engineer for GCC Factories advantageous
• Extensive knowledge of safety legislation and best practices
• Highly computer literate
• 3 years’ appropriate experience as an appointed GMR2(7) in a renewable energy plant or power production environment
• 5 years’ appropriate experience in a relevant environment
• Experience in maintenance and operation of power systems
• Demonstrated experience in MV and HV electrical systems
• Demonstrated experience in CMMS or ERP and SCADA systems
• Experience with HSSE systems and regulations, including GMR (General Machine Regulations)
• Experience in Physical Asset Management, Plant Maintenance Management & Equipment Reliability improvement
• Work Experience within the Renewable Energy, Power generation or Distribution environment
• Competency in pertinent plant electrical equipment such as Transformers, Inverters, Switchgear, Sub-station equipment, SCADA, network communication
• Experience with ORHVS and Permit to Work systems
• Experience with CMMS/ERP and Control & Monitoring Centres

Personal characteristics

It is part of every employee’s terms of reference to contribute to Scatec's vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are:

• Predictable: demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritise and work independently
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiates and adjust
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude

For the particular role we also expect

• Ability to think and function clearly, decisively and quickly under pressure
• Analytical thinker, independent and self-starter
• Pro-active and initiative-taking
• Excellent judgement skills and high integrity
• Assertiveness and organizational skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team skills
• High energy levels and self- motivated

Additional information:

• Based in Grootfontein, Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa
• Should be available and accustomed to travel as and when required
• Must be available to travel internationally as and when required
• Must be able to work extended hours
• Valid drivers’ license

We Offer

Scatec is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious company operating in a growing industry. We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse, and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference.

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law. All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence, and business need.

Applications will be processed on a continuous basis.