Biogas Plant Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Ntcheu, Malawi – Renewable Energy & Waste Management

Job Description

Position: Biogas Plant Operations Manager

Company: Veolia Malawi

Location: Ntcheu, Malawi

Experience: Minimum 7 years in renewable energy plant operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification in renewable energy management is a plus.

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Renewable Energy & Waste Management

Department: Operations

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Veolia Malawi is the local subsidiary of Veolia Group, a global leader in optimized resource management. With operations in over 50 countries, Veolia designs and provides water, waste, and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. In Malawi, we are committed to supporting the nation’s sustainable development goals by implementing innovative environmental solutions. Our new flagship project in Ntcheu involves the construction and operation of a large-scale biogas plant that will convert agricultural and municipal waste into clean energy, reducing environmental impact and providing renewable power to local communities. This project represents a significant investment in Malawi’s green economy and creates numerous career opportunities in Malawi for skilled professionals passionate about sustainability.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Biogas Plant Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our state-of-the-art biogas facility in Ntcheu. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable production of biogas and digestate. The successful candidate will oversee all technical, operational, and maintenance activities, manage a team of technicians and operators, and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of Malawi’s renewable energy sector, contributing directly to waste reduction and clean energy generation. For more jobs in Malawi and other opportunities, visit our partner portal at https://malawijobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the overall daily operations of the biogas plant, including anaerobic digestion processes, gas upgrading, and digestate handling.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all plant processes to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Lead, mentor, and schedule a team of operations technicians, maintenance personnel, and laboratory staff.
• Monitor plant performance metrics (gas yield, quality, uptime) and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production.
• Oversee the procurement and management of feedstock (agricultural waste, organic municipal waste) supply chains.
• Ensure strict compliance with all national environmental regulations, health and safety standards, and permit conditions.
• Prepare and manage the plant’s operational budget, controlling costs related to labor, maintenance, and consumables.
• Coordinate with the maintenance manager to plan and execute preventive and corrective maintenance schedules.
• Liaise with local communities, regulatory bodies, and feedstock suppliers to maintain positive relationships and operational continuity.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management, detailing performance, incidents, and improvement plans.

Required Skills

• Proven leadership and team management skills in an industrial or plant environment.
• In-depth technical knowledge of anaerobic digestion technology, biogas upgrading, and related mechanical/electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of process control systems (SCADA, PLC) and ability to analyze operational data.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, especially under pressure.
• Solid financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.
• Firm commitment to and knowledge of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols.
• Project management skills for overseeing minor upgrades and optimization projects.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a directly related field is required. A Master’s degree in Renewable Energy, Environmental Management, or Business Administration will be a distinct advantage. Professional certifications in plant management, safety (e.g., NEBOSH), or renewable energy are highly desirable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex biological and mechanical processes involved and represents a high-value job vacancy in Malawi.

Experience

A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in operating industrial plants, with at least 5 years specifically in biogas, wastewater treatment, or other biological process plants. At least 3 years must be in a supervisory or management capacity, demonstrating a progression of leadership responsibility. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within the Malawian or regional context regarding regulatory frameworks and supply chain logistics, is highly preferred. Experience with commissioning new plants is a significant plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and industry standards.
• Comprehensive health, medical, and life insurance coverage for employee and family.
• Performance-based annual bonus linked to plant KPIs.
• Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation.
• Company vehicle with fuel allowance for business use.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Professional development fund for conferences, training, and further education.
• Contribution to a pension or provident fund scheme.
• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project with significant environmental and social impact.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering Veolia’s global safety standards and operational protocols.
• Specialized technical training on the specific biogas plant technology and control systems.
• Leadership and management development programs offered by the Veolia Group.
• Regular refresher courses on environmental compliance and Malawian regulations.
• Opportunities for international knowledge exchange with other Veolia biogas operations.

Working Environment

This role is based at the plant site in Ntcheu. The working environment is a blend of office-based planning and hands-on field supervision. The manager must be comfortable working in an industrial setting and will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when on the plant floor. The role may involve occasional travel within Malawi to meet with suppliers, regulators, or other Veolia teams. We foster a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and contributing to meaningful employment in Malawi in the green sector.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role via the official Veolia careers portal. The selection process will include an initial screening of applications, followed by technical and behavioral interviews for shortlisted candidates, and potentially a final interview with regional management. We encourage all eligible candidates seeking hiring in Malawi to apply. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. For a wider view of regional opportunities, you may also explore https://www.somaliajobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Veolia Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in Malawi without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from women and Malawian nationals.