Globeleq, a trusted leader in the African power sector, is currently seeking an exceptional Maintenance Manager to join its dynamic team in Kenya. This opportunity is in support of the Menengai Geothermal Project, a transformative 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant located in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. As part of the country’s second major geothermal development (following Olkaria), the project plays a key role in delivering clean, affordable, and reliable baseload electricity to Kenya’s national grid.
The successful candidate will be joining the company at a pivotal time, playing a central role in transitioning the project from construction to full operation, and then ensuring the long-term sustainability and optimal performance of the power plant.
This recruitment is being supported by Smart4Energy Talent. If you have any queries regarding the position, you may contact their team directly via email at [email protected].
Application Deadline: April 22, 2025
Employment Type: Permanent
Workplace Type: Onsite
Location: Kenya
Department: Business Operations
Reporting To: Plant Manager
About the Menengai Geothermal Project
The Menengai Geothermal Project marks a new chapter in Kenya’s renewable energy story. Developed under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA) with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), the plant will be fueled by geothermal steam and its electricity sold to Kenya Power under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
As the project’s primary shareholder, Globeleq is responsible for leading the plant’s construction, operation, and long-term maintenance. Once the plant becomes commercially operational at the end of 2025, the Maintenance Manager will take over the helm of all plant maintenance efforts.
Position: Maintenance Manager
Main Purpose of the Role
The Maintenance Manager will lead the full maintenance function of the power plant, with a primary focus on:
- Preparing the plant for Commercial Operation Date (COD)
- Recruiting and training a technically strong and effective maintenance team
- Overseeing plant reliability, safety, and cost-efficiency through preventative and corrective maintenance
- Ensuring long-term sustainability of the power plant’s operations
- Complying with EPC, PISSA, PPA, and LTSA agreements
- Championing safety culture and compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements
Key Responsibilities
Mobilisation Period (Pre-COD)
- Develop the operational Health, Safety, Environmental, Social and Security (HSESS) Manual and Integrated Management System
- Review O&M manuals and manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure quality and completeness
- Assess and recommend procurement of initial spare parts and inventory
- Develop and populate the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) database and maintenance plans
- Create plant-specific operating procedures in alignment with EPC testing requirements
- Lead assessment and documentation of EPC Punch List items
- Participate in contractor-led training and pre-commissioning activities
Operation Period (Post-COD)
- Oversee the safe and efficient maintenance of all plant systems, ensuring minimal downtime
- Manage all maintenance activities—planned, unplanned, and emergency
- Supervise the inventory of spares, tools, and consumables
- Lead, train, and motivate the maintenance department staff
- Collaborate with the Plant Manager in planning, budgeting, and financial oversight of maintenance operations
- Manage and execute outage planning in conjunction with the Operations Manager
- Maintain full compliance with ISO, OHSAS, and other quality and safety standards
- Perform regular audits to ensure equipment is maintained according to manufacturer guidelines
- Ensure LOTO (Lock-out and Tag-out) procedures are rigorously followed
- Maintain and update CMMS to ensure availability and reliability targets are met
- Administer contracts with vendors and OEMs under the LTSA agreement
Key Result Areas
- Successful development and implementation of maintenance strategy pre- and post-COD
- Fully resourced, trained, and high-performing maintenance team
- Effective use of CMMS and maintenance data for decision-making
- Maximization of plant availability and reliability
- Compliance with all technical, safety, and legal standards
- Timely resolution of unplanned outages and technical faults
- Cost-effective management of spare parts, tools, and consumables
Requirements, Skills and Attributes
Education:
- Degree in Engineering or Diploma with significant operational experience in large power plants
- Must be registered with the Engineers Registration Board of Kenya
Experience:
- At least 10 years of experience in the operations of large power plants, preferably geothermal
- Proven experience managing large-scale maintenance teams and programs
Key Competencies and Attributes:
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities
- In-depth understanding of geothermal steam turbine operations
- Expertise in maintenance planning and execution using CMMS
- Ability to develop and implement preventative and corrective maintenance strategies
- Familiarity with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Ability to conduct technical audits and recommend improvements
- Skilled in budgeting, procurement, and asset management
- Self-starter with a proactive and results-driven attitude
About Globeleq
Globeleq develops, owns, and operates power plants across Africa, utilizing a wide range of technologies including thermal, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. With robust international experience, a strong shareholder base, and strategic partnerships, Globeleq is committed to powering Africa’s growth through sustainable energy.
Why Join Globeleq?
Working with Globeleq on the Menengai Geothermal Project offers a unique opportunity to:
- Be part of a game-changing renewable energy initiative in Kenya
- Lead and shape the long-term success of a large-scale geothermal power plant
- Work in an organization committed to sustainability, innovation, and excellence
- Advance your career in the growing African energy sector
How to Apply
If you meet the above criteria and are excited about the opportunity to lead maintenance operations in one of Kenya’s most promising geothermal projects, we encourage you to Apply Now via the official job portal.
Apply Now
Applications close on April 22, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to be part of Kenya’s clean energy future.
