Biogas Operations Director

Department: Operations

Location: South Africa

Description

Allied Talent Partners is a talent marketplace, connecting experienced professionals with climate-related projects and businesses in Africa.

High-Level Overview

Client:
The client is a pioneering renewable energy leader in the waste-to-energy sector, transforming organic waste into clean biogas and sustainable power. The company operates a large-scale anaerobic digestion facility in South Africa, generating electricity for export on the national grid, driving both environmental impact and energy innovation.

Project:
The client is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the full operational strategy and day-to-day management of their biogas production facility (located within driving distance from Johannesburg, South Africa). The client is looking for a candidate with a strong track record in operating waste-to-energy and biogas facilities, and a deep understanding of the anaerobic digestion process and energy generation through gas. The Operations Director will be responsible for driving plant efficiency and achieving production targets, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and providing strong leadership to both technical and support teams. This leadership role requires strategic oversight, technical expertise, and strong people management skills to ensure the plant operates safely, sustainably, and profitably.

Role and Responsibilities

Role: Biogas Operations Director
Direct Report: CEO / Board of Directors
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

• Develop and implement the plant’s operational strategies, aligned with the company’s mission
• Oversee the end-to-end process of biogas and power production, including feedstock intake, gas upgrading, and byproduct handling
• Monitor plant KPIs to ensure performance, energy output, and operational efficiency
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operations personnel
• Maintain preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs
• Ensure environmental compliance and maintain permits and safety protocols
• Manage operational budgets and report financial and operational data to executive leadership
• Foster external stakeholder relationships including municipalities, suppliers, and energy off-takers
• Promote local employment and community engagement in line with sustainability objectives
  
  

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental) or similar.
• Demonstrated experience in biogas, waste-to-energy, or renewable energy sectors
• Strong track record in leading plant operations teams and managing regulatory and safety compliance
• Familiarity with ISO standards, SCADA systems, and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) is strongly preferred.

Technical Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of anaerobic digestion, waste management, gas handling and engine/CHP systems.
• Budget management and performance analysis
• Understanding of maintenance strategies (preventive/corrective/predictive)
• ESG and sustainability awareness

Other Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
• Strong communication with internal and external stakeholders
• High level of personal discipline, organization, and accountability
• Ability to manage and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively

Working Arrangement
Location: Johannesburg region, South Africa
Travel: On-site presence is required with occasional travel for stakeholder meetings.

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: ASAP
Contracting Period: Initial contract for 6 months, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a full-time role