Technical Director (Benin)

Our client is a dynamic conglomerate at the intersection of industrialization, innovation, and sustainability. They are rooted in Africa with a global vision, serving as the parent company to a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries, including leaders in renewable energy, agribusiness, healthcare, and technology. The aim is to bring solutions to the problems hampering African development. To do so it will invest and drive, alone or with co-investors, in assets supporting the continents industrialization and economic development, while keeping a strong commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

They are looking for a person who will provide Strategic, operational, and financial direction of the gas power plant employing Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology. The role demands a leader with a profound understanding of the energy sector, especially in CCGT operations, with the ability to navigate the plant through regulatory, technological, and market changes.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the plant's long-term strategy in alignment with the board's objectives, focusing on sustainability, profitability, and expansion.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise in all aspects of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology.
• Lead the planning, design, and execution phases of green field CCGT projects, from inception to handover.
• Oversee the erection, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of CCGT plants to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and operations to drive project success.
• Develop and implement best practices, standards, and procedures for CCGT project management and operations.
• Lead the plants response to changes in the energy market, regulatory environment, and technological advancements.

Operations Management

• Oversee the plant's operations to ensure efficiency, reliability, and compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve margins.

Financial Oversight

• Ensure the financial health of the plant by overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting activities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for investment, funding, and partnerships to drive growth and improve financial performance.

Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the plant to external stakeholders, including regulators, industry groups, and the community.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing management team.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning within the organization.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and strategic risks to the organization.
• Ensure robust crisis management and business continuity plans are in place.

Education & Skills:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Extensive experience in green field project management, including erection, execution, and operation of CCGT plants.
• Strong technical knowledge of CCGT systems, including gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), and balance of plant (BOP) equipment.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.