We are seeking an experienced Electrical Operational Readiness Engineer to support and strengthen the existing iron ore port operation in Buchanan, Liberia.
The plant is fully commissioned and operational. This role focuses on assessing and improving the electrical maintenance organisation, strengthening reliability systems, embedding structured asset care practices, and ensuring electrical infrastructure stability across the bulk material handling operation.
The facility includes fixed train car dumpers (rotators), long-distance conveyor systems, stackers, reclaimers, ship loading systems, high-capacity motors, MCCs, VSDs, substations, and associated electrical distribution infrastructure.
This is a site-based, hands-on leadership role requiring strong practical electrical experience in heavy industrial environments.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct structured review of the existing electrical maintenance organisation and capability
Identify gaps in electrical maintenance systems, standards, and execution practices
Strengthen preventive and corrective electrical maintenance strategies
Review and optimise asset care plans for motors, drives, switchgear, MCCs, transformers, and distribution systems
Improve reliability of conveyor drive systems, ship loaders, stacker/reclaimer drives, and car dumper electrical systems
Strengthen electrical workshop standards, test equipment management, and tooling readiness
Improve electrical work management discipline within CMMS / PRONTO
Enhance backlog management, planning compliance, and maintenance execution quality
Conduct root cause analysis on recurring electrical failures
Implement criticality-based prioritisation of high-risk electrical assets
Strengthen statutory compliance, inspections, and protection system testing
Support shutdown planning and execution for electrical systems
Coordinate with the SCADA/Automation team to ensure alignment between control and power systems
Mentor and upskill national electricians and E&I technicians
Embed electrical safety standards including LOTO, arc flash awareness, switching procedures, and isolation discipline
Support performance tracking through KPIs such as availability, failure frequency, and electrical downtime
Operational Readiness Focus Areas
The Electrical Operational Readiness Engineer will focus on:
Strengthening electrical organisational structure and competency levels
Improving electrical asset integrity and reliability practices
Embedding structured inspection and testing regimes
Optimising spares strategy for critical electrical components
Strengthening protection system management and compliance
Improving CMMS data accuracy and electrical work order quality
Supporting transition from reactive breakdown response to proactive maintenance
Building long-term electrical workforce capability and accountability
Minimum Requirements
Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering or internationally recognised equivalent qualification
Minimum 10 years experience in heavy industrial electrical maintenance environments
Proven experience improving maintenance systems in operating plants
Strong background in mining, port operations, bulk materials handling, or similar heavy industry
Experience with high-capacity motors, VSDs, MCCs, switchgear, substations, and industrial power distribution
Experience working with CMMS / EAM systems
Strong understanding of electrical protection systems and statutory compliance requirements
Practical knowledge of reliability engineering and root cause analysis
Willingness to work on a rotational assignment in Liberia
Preferred Experience
Port operations and ship loading systems
Conveyor drive systems and distributed motor control
ABB, Siemens, or similar industrial drive systems
Stacker and reclaimer electrical systems
Car dumper / train rotator electrical infrastructure
Shutdown planning and execution leadership
Workforce mentoring and skills development programmes
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong field presence and hands-on troubleshooting capability
Structured, disciplined, and systems-oriented
Calm under operational pressure
Strong electrical fault-finding expertise
Mentor and coach rather than theoretical consultant
Focused on sustainable reliability improvement
Safety-driven with strong electrical compliance mindset
Strategic Objective of the Role
The Electrical Operational Readiness Engineer will strengthen and stabilise the existing electrical maintenance organisation at the Buchanan Port Operation, embed structured maintenance and reliability systems, and improve electrical infrastructure performance to support sustainable, reliable iron ore export operations
STELO is a Projects, Operations and Maintenance services company focusing on the start up and operational phases of Assets (fixed process plants, mobile plant incl rolling stock) in the Mining, Oil and Gas and Heavy Industrial Sectors. STELO ‘s focus is Africa, yet we also support our clients in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. STELO is expanding steadily with companies in Mauritius, South Africa, France, Guinea and Angola.
STELO has four divisions supporting our clients needs:
STELO Projects - Project Management, Operational Readiness
STELO Operations - Operations and Maintenance Management, Optimisation, Training
STELO Skills - Expert skills supply with global mobility
STELO Systems - Supply, Implementation and Optimisation of maintenance systems
For all your industrial asset management needs, we are your partner of choice.
