Seshni Naidoo
Head Of Engineering
Johannesburg, Sandton
Summary
Accomplished engineering leader with a proven track record at Engie. Expert in power plant engineering governance and techno-economic evaluations across technologies and project lifecycle phases, adept at stakeholder engagement.
Professional contributions thorough board directorships leveraging more than 15 years of onsite thermal power plant experience through development, construction, commissioning and operations phases and greenfield development of renewable assets.
Demonstrated success in leading by example and mentoring teams and delivering projects, showcasing exceptional technical project management skills and collaborative prowess.
Reliable, known for taking ownership of dynamic projects to simplify complex business goals into manageable tasks.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Engineering: Southern Africa
Engie (RGBU AMEA Region)
2021.01 - Current
- Built strong teams through selective recruitment and post-hire mentorship of junior engineers.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for integration into existing systems or develop innovative solutions.
- Streamlined engineering processes for increased efficiency, leading to faster project completion and reduced costs.
- Developed high-performing engineering teams through strategic hiring, focused mentoring, and performance management initiatives.
- Took ownership of assigned department-wide projects, presenting regular updates to senior leadership on progress and status.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through regular audits of systems, processes, and documentation efforts.
- Led technical development efforts, presenting engineering and technology selection, concepts and configurations for power plants to senior leadership for go-no-go decisions.
- Delivered cost savings by design optimisation and negotiating of favorable contracts with vendors, lowering material expenses without sacrificing quality.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, OEMs, consultants, contractors and internal teams.
Head of Technical Oversight and Support: Africa
Engie BU Africa
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Managed team of 12 technical project managers diverse in age, expertise, geography and nationality.
- Managed project pipeline and technical project management from early greenfield identification to financial close.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting across various countries in Africa and power generation technologies, providing support and guidance on technical development and lifecycle.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Head of ETSG: Southern Africa
Engie BU Africa
2018.07 - 2019.03
- Evaluated and developed utility scale power plant proposals in South Africa with consideration for the development, construction, operations and decommissioning phases including technical concepts and techno-economic implications.
- Developed construction and operating philosophy for life of plant and SHREQ management through design.
- Technology watch across thermal and renewable technologies
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Technical Advisor
GDF Suez
2015.01 - 2018.06
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring optimal integration of new technologies and systems.
- Enhanced system performance by conducting thorough technical assessments and providing expert recommendations.
- Communicated project status to stakeholders, authoring reports to provide up-to-date overviews of ongoing progress.
- Contributed technical oversight to assist team project fulfillment.
Senior Engineer
Eskom Generation: Komati Power Station
2012.09 - 2014.12
- Monitored Junior Engineer performance to keep projects on task.
- Provided Operations Guidance through design & operating philosophy and engineering instruction.
- Provided maintenance guidance through maintenance strategy and RBO analysis
- Asset management through plant lifecycle planning
- Determined equipment failure root cause through investigation and implemented solutions.
- Led cross-functional team for successful completion of multiple large-scale projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Controlled project costs by approving expenditures.
- Acting Head of Auxiliary Plant Engineering peridocially
Education
Advanced Diploma in Project Management - Project Management
Cranefield College
South Africa 2001.04 -
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Kwa-zulu Natal
Durban, South Africa 2001.04 -
MBA -
University of Cape Town
Cape Town 2001.04 -
Skills
Engineering Governance and lifecycle planning
Techno-Economic Evaluations
Project Finance and REIPPPP PPA Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement: Client, Consultants, Contractors, Technology Providers
Accomplishments
- Achieved Financial Close on the following Projects:
- Graspan 75MWac Solar PV
- Grootspruit 75MWac Solar PV
- OYA 128MWac Hybrid (Solar, Wind,BESS)
- Xina CSP Acquisition
- BTE Acquisition (People, Platform, Assets)
- Board Directorships & Advisory (Wind, PV, CSP, OCGT)
- Komati Return to Service Refurbishment Progamme (Coal)
- Engie Boost Rise Programme
- Eskom Bursar of the Year
- Eskom Community BUilder of the Year
Timeline
Head of Engineering: Southern Africa
Engie (RGBU AMEA Region)
2021.01 - Current
Head of Technical Oversight and Support: Africa
Engie BU Africa
2019.01 - 2021.01
Head of ETSG: Southern Africa
Engie BU Africa
2018.07 - 2019.03
Technical Advisor
GDF Suez
2015.01 - 2018.06
Senior Engineer
Eskom Generation: Komati Power Station
2012.09 - 2014.12
Advanced Diploma in Project Management - Project Management
Cranefield College
2001.04 -
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Kwa-zulu Natal
2001.04 -
MBA -
University of Cape Town
2001.04 -
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