Process Plant Director

Vicuña; Santiago; On-site; CLP 60,000,000 - 90,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Vicuna is seeking a Process Plant Manager to lead a large-scale copper concentrate facility in a high-altitude environment. You will oversee crushing, grinding, flotation, and concentrate handling while driving safety, performance, and cost efficiency. The role requires deep experience in mineral processing and strong leadership to align operations with site objectives and regulatory standards. The position emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical/ Chemical Engineering or related field; MBA is an asset.
• Minimum 15 years in mineral processing; 10+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience with advanced process control systems and remote operations centers.
• Proven experience managing large-scale copper concentrate operations.
• Flotation circuits, process control systems, and metallurgical accounting knowledge.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all plant operations including crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, and concentrate handling.
• Ensure targets are met or exceeded while optimizing recovery and throughput.
• Drive safety, health, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and manage the plant budget and staffing.
• Mentor plant personnel and foster accountability and teamwork.
• Interface with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and leadership.
• Monitor KPIs like recovery rates, concentrate grade, and plant availability.
• Support maintenance strategies to maximize equipment reliability.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Decision making

Safety and environmental stewardship

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering

Master’s degree or MBA (asset)

Tools

Plant management software

Data analysis tools

Advanced process control systems

Job description

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Process Plant Manager who will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of a large-scale copper concentrate processing facility. This role oversees all aspects of plant performance including production, metallurgy, safety, and environmental compliance (maintenance will be the responsibility of the Process Plant Maintenance Manager). The manager leads a multidisciplinary team to ensure that production targets are met while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.

MAIN RESULTS

1 Lead and manage all plant operations including crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, and concentrate handling.

2 Ensure production targets are met or exceeded while optimizing recovery, throughput, and reagent consumption.

3 Support plant maintenance strategies to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

4 Drive continuous improvement initiatives in process efficiency, cost control, and operational excellence.

5 Ensure strict compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

6 Develop and manage the plant budget, including operating costs, capital projects, and staffing.

7 Collaborate with technical services, mine operations, and logistics to align plant performance with overall site objectives.

8 Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as recovery rates, concentrate grade, and plant availability.

9 Lead and mentor plant personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and teamwork.

10 Interface with external stakeholders including regulatory bodies, suppliers, and corporate leadership.

11 Manage process plant activities and personnel in a high-altitude environment.

DECISIONS

Establish Plant Operations KPIs and establish operational standards.

Lead Plant commissioning, ramp up and transition to steady state operations.

Form and lead Plant Operations teams to meet operational objectives.

Determine optimal Plant throughput in consultation with OEMs where required.

Establish Plant Operations annual budget.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Review plant performance and propose improvements to optimise throughput and recoveries.

Provide input to Plant design reviews and equipment selection.

Provide recommendations for workforce development.

Consider remote operations versus onsite operations and associated technology.

Provide inputs to Vicuna Health and Safety programs.

CONTEXT

Ability to form and lead a large scale (175ktpd+) copper concentrate process plant. Ensure work planning and outcomes support operational objectives whilst achieving safe work compliance in a high-altitude work environment.

Lead and support Health and Safety programs in the Plant Operational areas.

Support EPCM Plant commissioning and transition to Operations.

Manage process plant activities and personnel in a high-altitude environment.

MAIN KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field. Master’s degree or MBA is an asset.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in mineral processing, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience with advanced process control systems and remote operational centers.
• Proven experience managing large-scale copper concentrate operations.
• Strong knowledge of flotation circuits, process control systems, and metallurgical accounting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in plant management software and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly regarded.