Job Description

About EDF Renewables South Africa
EDF Renewables, established in 2011, is a fully integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) that develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy facilities across Sub-Saharan Africa. With offices in Cape Town and Gqeberha, EDF Renewables currently operates 4 wind farms (140 MW) and manages a development pipeline of more than 3 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects. With over 1 GW of projects under construction between 2023-2025, EDF Renewables is driving sustainable growth in South Africa's clean energy transition.
The Project
The Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant is a 240 MWp project under construction near Middelburg, Eastern Cape, forming part of the Koruson 2 Cluster alongside the Umsovumbo and Hartebeeshoek wind farms. The project will connect to the Eskom grid via the IPP substation and Kuroson MTS, with COD expected in December 2025.
The Role
We are seeking a skilled Plant Manager to lead the safe and efficient operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant post-COD. This role ensures full compliance with project agreements, oversees the O&M contractor, manages legal appointments, and drives plant performance through robust systems, strategies, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day O&M of the Mooiplaats Solar PV Plant, ensuring compliance with all project agreements
Oversee O&M contractors and ensure adherence to global best practices
Take accountability for plant health, including preventive and corrective maintenance strategies
Ensure compliance with OHS Act, SAGC, Network Code, and other transmission codes
Lead and mentor on-site staff, ensuring training, competence, and productivity
Implement and manage CMMS systems, SOPs, and quality control processes
Manage the O&M budget, spares, warranties, and subcontractors
Ensure KPI targets (availability, MTTR, MTBF, failure response, etc.) are achieved
Foster strong landowner and stakeholder relationships
Act as legally appointed representative under SHEQ and GMR regulations
What You'll Need
Qualifications:
Minimum National Diploma (NQF 6) in a related field
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar
Experience:
10+ years' experience in energy sector O&M, with renewables and storage preferred
Extensive knowledge of electrical infrastructure, substations, and overhead lines
Experience in solar O&M (advantageous)
Proven track record in managing large, diverse on-site teams
Skills & Competencies:
Strong commercial judgment, technical acumen, and problem-solving ability
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; fluency in English required
Leadership, conflict management, and mentoring experience
Willingness to travel regularly in rural areas and hold a valid driver's licence
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead operations of a flagship 240 MWp solar project and play a central role in South Africa's clean energy transition.
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Skills Required