Operations and Maintenance Manager (O&M) -De Aar

Context & Environment

TotalEnergies gross low-carbon power generation capacity worldwide is currently close to 10 gigawatts. TotalEnergies targets 35 GW of a renewable generation capacity in 2025 and will continue to expand its business to become a leading international player in renewable energies with a target of 100 GW by 2030.

About TotalEnergies Renewables International Middle-East & Africa (TTE-RI MEA):

• Very competitive environment with Tier 1 renewables developers’ competitors;
• Very large Projects – up to 2GWp.

About TotalEnergies Renewables International (TTE-RI):

• TERI operates in a strong growth and highly competitive environment.
• TERI maintains a high growth rate, both organic and by acquisitions, on a global geographical scope, often relying on tight schedule complex transactions with high financial, legal and execution stakes.
• These stakes require permanent coordination with business entities, the Branch and Company.

Activities

This is a skilled position requiring overall responsibility for managing the maintenance and operations activities of the TotalEnergies SAL PV Storage Project comprising of a PV and BESS hybrid plant, including managing the personnel on the project site.

Other operational assets may be included in this portfolio after consultation with the Operations and Maintenance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all maintenance and operations initiatives and activities and ensure such are carried out in compliance with the relevant contracts and the TotalEnergies’ goals and objectives.
• Be responsible for the implementation of TotalEnergies’ HSE policy and procedures.
• Reporting : Manage and where required, compile stakeholder report distributions (at the frequency required) so as to ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant project agreements (e.g. O&M Agreement (if internalised), finance agreements, AMA, PPA, IA, etc.).
• Contract management : administer and ensure compliance with the terms and governance of all relevant project agreements, in particular the O&M Agreement.
• Monitor the plants in coordination with TotalEnergies’ O&M monitoring/Asset Management in Cape Town and/or France.
• Perform fault finding and diagnostics on all equipment and assist all zone supervisors in this regard.
• Ensure maintenance and repair on all equipment are carried out timeously and in accordance with the relevant agreements and/or schedules.
• Manage the supervisors on site.
• Manage all contractors/sub-contractors on site.
• Interact with Client Representative and/or Operator on site and facilitate stakeholder site visits.
• Ensure that risks are managed effectively.
• Measure and ensure that projects are delivering returns as forecasted.
• Assess operational performance and identify areas for enhanced performance, through minimising downtime, conducting root cause analyses.
• Work with the key delivery partners to ensure that value is protected, risks managed, and contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Embed a culture of managing each asset with an enterprise-wide view of the project agreements.
• Ensure the company is appropriately organized and staffed as necessary to achieve the approved strategy.
• Lead and manage the operation and maintenance team.
• Ensure lessons learnt is collated and fed back to optimise projects in development.
• Provide the necessary inputs as and when required for Total Energies Long Term Plan (LTP)
• Maintain a strong link with TotalEnergies Assets and Countries division for project updates, tool evolution and global lessons learnt.
• Any other activities that could reasonably be expected from this position.

General Operation and Maintenance Management Tasks (non-exhaustive) 

• Monitor and drive solar and wind and BESS project operational performance by working closely with our O&M contractors to ensure plants meets the base case p50 production expected.
• Prepare annual plans and budgets.
• Project manage plant retrofits/upgrades/optimizations to improve overall plant performance in conjunction with AM team.
• Complete post-EPC close out activities in accordance with the relevant EPC contracts.
• Manage all warranties, guarantees and other project security packages to ensure project risk and exposure levels are maintained and execute claims as required.
• Support project insurance activities and renewal of policies.
• Support the social investment program including meeting each assets Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development obligations.
• Ensure works performed by O&M contractor, sub-contractors and other 3rd parties comply with technical requirements, contractual procedures, TotalEnergies compliance, HSE and ESG requirements, and regulatory standards governing the projects.
• Ensure the accurate and on time execution of all scheduled services, as per the approved O&M plan, including unscheduled maintenance activities.
• Conduct inspections and mini audits to ensure the continuous compliance with its contractual obligations of the O&M contractor on the site.
• Ensure supervisors have the required tools and know-how to perform tasks.
• Ensure weekly inspections of the HV substation, switching yard and surrounding areas are conducted.
• Conduct weekly inspections of all facilities, buildings, stores, etc.
• Manage and oversee the security service provider and train personnel on use of the camera system (if O&M is internalised).
• Conduct / oversee all HV switching activities.
• Review and approve contractual change orders in accordance with governance procedures.
• Support the maintenance and where necessary the renewal of permits, licenses and approvals.
• Review weekly progress reports to identify issues and take corrective action to remedy issues.
• Verify forecasting reports.
• Ensure dispatch compliance (if applicable).

HSE
 To effectively manage and minimise HSE risk within your area of responsibility by ensuring:

• Compliance with all HSE Policies, rules, guideline and legal requirements
• The promotion of a safe working environment and positively contributing to the company's HSE KPIs and risk reduction strategies
• That HSE competency requirements are identified & enforced within your area of responsibility

Candidate Profile

• Electrical engineering, BSc. Eng, B Tech (or equivalent).
• Qualified Electrician and GMR 2.1.
• At least 10 years’ experience in Electrical and/or Mechanical maintenance.
• Previous experience in Utility scale renewable energy projects – above 50MW (wind plant)
• Good people management and conflict resolution skills.
• A strong background in contract management, preparing maintenance reports, evaluating performance results, compiling and maintaining maintenance schedules, administering maintenance contractors and managing of contractors
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with HV electrical safety procedures and general power plant safety procedures, and all applicable legal requirements.
• Experience with environmental requirements and practices.
• Ability to remain in control and perform effectively under pressure.
• Good administrative skills.
• Prepared to work shifts/overtime when required.
• Physically fit and able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Knowledge of and experience with plant SCADA process control systems
• Knowledge and understanding of the OHS Act.
• MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Willingness to travel.
• Ownership mentality.

Additional Information

Domain: Industrial Projects, Maintenance / Inspection / Technology, Operations

Type of contract: Regular position

Experience: Minimum 10 years

Employer company: TotalEnergies Renewables Southern Africa