Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Glencore International AG; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical practices across its African Copper operations. This pivotal role involves defining and implementing engineering standards, providing strategic oversight, and mentoring teams to ensure operational excellence. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in mining operations and a strong technical background in both open pit and underground geotechnical engineering. Join a diverse and inclusive workforce committed to driving growth and innovation in the mining sector, where your expertise will directly influence project success and operational performance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in mining operations or corporate engineering.
• High degree of technical expertise in geotechnical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of geotechnical engineering standards.
• Provide expert oversight for geotechnical investigations and designs.
• Mentor operational leaders and project teams in geotechnical practices.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Open Pit Engineering

Underground Engineering

Technical Communication

Business Acumen

Mentoring and Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

We are one of the world's largest producers and marketers of copper with our mining, refining and recycling operations and development projects within the key mining regions of Africa, Australia, Philippines & Americas.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Glencore Copper
Maidenhead, England

Glencore Copper is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and standardize geotechnical engineering practices across our African Copper operations. This role will be based in our Maidenhead office in England and will provide strategic technical leadership across our operations and projects within Africa.

Our Team

The Regional Africa Technical team is an essential function responsible for providing strategic planning, mine engineering, and technical support to Glencore’s Copper operations in the DRC. This team plays a pivotal role in delivering best-practice operational performance and long-term strategy while driving Glencore’s ambitious growth agenda.

The Opportunity

The Principal Geotechnical Engineer is accountable for defining and implementing geotechnical engineering standards across Glencore’s Copper operating sites and development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert oversight and peer review for geotechnical investigations, analysis, design, and reporting across all regional projects.
• Lead the rollout, and governance of Geotechnical & Hydrogeological Engineering Standards, Guidelines, and Reporting.
• Provide geotechnical support to existing African copper operations and projects.
• Evaluate the geotechnical quality of production, MROR estimates, and reports, while identifying associated technical risks.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and geotechnical support to Operational Leaders, Project Teams, Regional Teams, and Corporate Functions.
• Conduct benchmarking and best practice studies across Glencore operations.

Operating Context

• Develop and implement Geotechnical Engineering Standards and Guidelines.
• Maintain a Geotechnical Management System / Framework.
• Conduct geotechnical audits and risk assessments.
• Provide independent review of Resource Development Plans, Life of Asset Plans, and MROR.
• Ensure compliance with Glencore’s Corporate Copper MROR estimation and reporting guidelines.

Control Elements

• Glencore Group Standards and Guidelines.
• Business and Budget Planning Standards and Guidelines.
• Geotechnical / Rock Engineering & Hydrogeology Standards and Guidelines.
• Geotechnical Management System / Framework.
• Ore Reserve Estimation and Reporting Guidelines.
• Project Reviews and Due Diligences.
• Operations Monitoring and Integrated Technical Planning.

Technical Standards

• Develop and maintain technical standards and guidelines, including:
• Geotechnical Engineering Standard
• Geotechnical Engineering Guidelines
• Geotechnical Management System / Framework
• Geotechnical Data Collection
• Geotechnical Design (Open Pit & Underground)
• Geotechnical Reconciliation
• Standardize geotechnical processes and integrate them into Glencore’s operating model (CMS – Copper Management System).
• Harmonize data and technical systems across operations.

Technical Governance and Assurance

• Support sites and regional teams in annual HSEC Geotechnical Audits.
• Manage the Geotechnical Review Board (GRB) process for Copper assets and projects.
• Lead and support independent technical reviews of projects and operations.
• Implement Glencore’s Copper Geotechnical Risk Management process and reporting.
• Provide geotechnical input at project tollgate/maturity assessments.
• Maintain Glencore Copper Department geotechnical standards and guidelines.
• Develop benchmark data from existing Glencore operations for due diligence and project reviews.
• Provide geotechnical support to business development initiatives.
• Provide geotechnical input and reviews at project tollgate / maturity assessments.
• Comply with Glencore’s Corporate Copper MROR estimation and reporting guidelines.

Technical Systems

• Develop and support implementation of standard geotechnical systems for data collection, monitoring, and design for implementation in new projects and operations.

Your Training, Skills & Expertise

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in mining operations, corporate engineering, or consulting.
• High degree of technical expertise in open pit and underground geotechnical engineering.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence decision-making.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced geotechnical engineering degree (Master's or PhD) is an advantage.
• Bilingual in French/English is an advantage.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Glencore is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Through our IDEAL framework (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advancement, and Local), Glencore is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can achieve their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds. We aim to ensure that all perspectives and cultures, however numerous and varied, are welcomed, essential to our operations, and respected by each of our employees. We treat all our employees fairly and with dignity. Join us in championing IDEAL, where inclusivity unlocks potential and fuels high performance.