Senior Copper Process Plant Leader

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

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.