OPERATIONS MANAGER, KEEPHILLS
TransAlta is seeking an Operations Manager to join our team at the Keephills Thermal Plant. In this role, you’ll report to the Keephills Plant Manager and play a key part in providing operational oversight and management of the Keephills Power Plant. This is a key leadership role within the Keephills team, guiding operational excellence and cross‑functional coordination between the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

This is a full‑time, safety‑sensitive position based out of the Keephills Thermal Plant, situated 70 kilometers west of Edmonton, AB and five kilometers south of Wabamun Lake.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Serve as Chief Power Engineer for the Keephills Power Plant.

Operate the facility safely and in compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, regulatory and legal requirements, and union collective agreements (including the Safety Codes Act, NERC, AESO, IBEW).

Operate the plant in compliance with environmental operating approvals and regulatory requirements.

Coordinate with the Alberta portfolio optimization and compliance teams to oversee unit availability declarations.

Develop, recommend, implement, and manage operating procedures, and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.

Manage a comprehensive safety and compliance training program for all power plant operators, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational best practices.

Support, and lead when required, investigations resulting from HSE and compliance near‑misses and incidents to determine root causes and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.





Provide support for emergency calls regarding plant equipment breakdowns, emergent operating risks, and unit outages.

Maximize the production and availability of each unit while managing risk through cross‑functional collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Develop, present, implement, and manage the 1–2 year operations business plan, ensuring delivery of agreed to results. This includes adapting departmental plans and priorities to address operational challenges and constraints.

Lead and develop a high‑performing team of shift supervisors by assigning strategic deliverables (1–12 months), driving accountability, managing performance, and strengthening succession capability.

Build organizational alignment by clearly defining positions, accountabilities, authorities, deliverables, tasks, and ensuring the right people are in the right roles.

Mentor personnel across operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams to support professional development and enhance cross‑functional collaboration.

Lead efforts to drive cultural improvement and strengthen workplace engagement and collaboration.

ABOUT YOU

First‑Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency.





Possess comprehensive understanding of the occupational hazards inherent in power plant operations and the critical safety measures required to ensure a protected working environment.

Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, materials, and operating procedures involved in the operation of a large‑scale power plant.

Proven capability to analyze and resolve complex technical, operational, and organizational issues, driving effective solutions.

Experienced people leader with 10+ years of progressive industry experience and at least 2 years in a leadership capacity; supported by formal education or equivalent practical experience.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships that enhance morale and support a healthy workplace culture.

Strong financial acumen to develop, present, implement, and manage budgets.

Proven skills in driving process improvements, managing risk, planning strategically, and leading successful projects.

Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and deliver effective presentations.

THE PERKS

Competitive salary

Annual incentive program

Pension plan with company‑matching options

Flexible benefits for you and your family

Vacation and personal days

Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs

Annual Wellness Payment

WHAT TO EXPECT
The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. Safety‑sensitive positions will be required to complete pre‑employment testing. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.

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📌 Operations Manager, Keephills Power Plant (Alberta)
🏢 TransAlta
📍 Alberta