Operations Manager - Geothermal Power

Smart4Energy is hiring an Operations Manager for a 35 MW geothermal power plant in Nakuru County, Kenya. The role involves overseeing plant operations, ensuring compliance with standards, and leading a technical team. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering or relevant experience in power plants, with a strong understanding of geothermal systems. The position requires excellent management skills and adherence to safety and operational procedures.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operations Manager for a 35 MW geothermal power plant, in Nakuru County, Kenya. This critical role involves the technical oversight and optimisation of plant operations, including steam turbine systems, control systems, and high voltage systems. The Operations Manager will lead a technical team, ensuring efficient and safe plant operations, maximising availability and output, and adhering to all relevant agreements and standards. This position is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of reliable base-load power to the Kenyan grid.

Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement, and maintain plant-specific operating procedures, casualty control procedures, and control room practices
• Direct the operations team in operation routines, switching operations, and annual capacity tests.
• Monitor equipment operating trends, prevent outages, and perform root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with O&M manuals, PPA, PISSA, and HSESS policies
• Manage the implementation and effectiveness of permit-to-work and Lock Out/Tag Out systems.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Coordinate with head-office support groups (e.g. Ops, HSESS, HR, Legal).
• Contribute to departmental budgets and objectives.

Requirements:
• Degree in Engineering or Diploma with substantial operational experience in large power stations or geothermal power plants.
• Registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Kenya preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant operations experience in a large power plant or similar industry.
• Proven understanding of geothermal power plant operations, including steam turbine and high voltage systems.
• Proficiency in CMMS utilisation for operations monitoring.
• Strong skills in examining and re-engineering operations, formulating policy, and implementing new strategies.
• Working knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
• Excellent English language, interpersonal, time management, and team player skills.