Technical Manager

About AltGen

AltGen is looking for a skilled Technical Manager to join a CSP renewable energy company based in the Northern Cape. The role itself will be based in Johannesburg. The Technical Manager will serve as the interface between the Operator and the Owner ensuring compliance with the PPA, the O&M contract and Generation License thus protecting the interests of the project company as the main contract owner.

Responsibilities

General:

• Deliver timeous collection and submission of accurate information and documentation, including applicable reporting obligations, providing advice where appropriate.
• Ensure that the requirements of the Buyer (Eskom), DMRE, NERSA, IPPO and Lenders are met, with oversight of compliance with the O&M Contract and related requirements.
• Monitor performance against obligations under Project Agreements, with a focus on technical obligations.
• Monitor Project Agreement notice obligations relating to the provision of services.
• Maintain communication and interface with key project participants, including Lenders’ Technical Advisor, Buyer, Systems Operator, NERSA, DMRE, IPPO, and local authorities.
• Provide information to technical and insurance advisors for execution of business activities (e.g. insurance claims).
• Prepare documents, correspondence, and invoices under Project Agreements.
• Monitor compliance with statutory obligations, Project Agreements, and applicable laws, escalating non-compliance where identified.

PPA / DCUoSA / Implementation Agreement:

• Liaise with the O&M Contractor to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Follow up on claims submissions and outage reporting in line with agreements.
• Provide reports to the CEO in response to queries from DMRE, NERSA, and the Buyer.
• Manage billing and invoicing with the Buyer, ensuring reconciliation of Operator and Buyer information.

O&M Contract Management:

• Monitor compliance of the O&M Contractor with contractual obligations and ensure fulfilment of company obligations.
• Verify that all required consents for operation are maintained.
• Monitor compliance with Project Agreements, applicable laws, environmental and social requirements, and financing agreements.
• Coordinate support for consent applications and provide advice to the CEO where required.
• Report non-compliances and support corrective actions.
• Verify implementation of the Operation and Maintenance Manual and adherence to required standards.
• Lead warranty and insurance matters, including managing claims and escalating decisions where necessary.
• Advise the CEO of outages exceeding 24 hours to meet reporting requirements.
• Analyse and finalise annual generation and plant improvement budgets with the Operator.
• Review weekly exception reports and take remedial action where required.
• Assist with and lead root cause analysis (RCA) where necessary.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Oversee local regulatory and statutory requirements, including municipal consent conditions and grid code compliance.
• Ensure remedial actions are implemented to maintain compliance.

Operations, Administration & People Management:

• Lead design, implementation, and execution of new projects assigned by the CEO.
• Manage local contracting and supplier management (excluding those under O&M scope).
• Provide technical and operational updates to the CEO on all key issues.
• Complete operational reporting requirements to the Buyer, IPPO, NERSA, and stakeholders.
• Manage and supervise subordinate staff, including setting roles and expectations.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop team members.
• Conduct performance management, including goal setting, feedback, and development planning.
• Manage staffing levels, workforce planning, leave, and succession planning.
• Promote a positive and high-performance team culture.
• Provide technical input (subject to CEO approval) for Board and sub-committee matters.

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical)
• Master’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical) is a plus
• Professional registration would be advantageous
• 8-10 years of experience in operation, development, construction and commissioning of power assets (Solar, Wind, OCGT, CCGT)
• Experience in the IPP sector implementing PPA and O&M agreements and management of utility-scale assets
• Experience in leading and managing teams