Senior Metallurgy Manager – Base Metals Processing

Placements24; London Borough of Newham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgy Manager to lead base metals processing in East London. You will direct crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching operations while driving recovery, efficiency, and cost containment.

Build and mentor a skilled team, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and develop strategic plans for the processing division. You will collaborate with R&D, geology, and maintenance teams to implement advanced process controls and stay ahead of new technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years in metallurgical operations focusing on base metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni).
• Proven ability to design, operate, and optimize metallurgical processes.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct base metals processing including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Develop strategies to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Oversee efficiency, cost control, and resource management in plants.
• Lead and develop a team of metallurgists and engineers.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Monitor plant performance with key metrics and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D, geology and maintenance.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and data accuracy.
• Prepare technical reports, budgets, and strategic plans.
• Stay updated with emerging metallurgical technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Process optimization

Team management

Environmental compliance

Advanced process control

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Advanced process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the base metals sector, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Metallurgy Manager to oversee their processing operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This leadership role is responsible for optimizing metallurgical processes, ensuring high recovery rates, managing operational costs, and maintaining stringent safety and environmental standards. You will lead a team of metallurgists and engineers, drive innovation in process technology, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the processing division. The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in base metals extraction and proven leadership capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a progressive mining group located in a key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of base metals processing, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Develop and implement metallurgical strategies to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Oversee operational efficiency, cost control, and resource management within the processing plants.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of metallurgical engineers and operations staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Monitor plant performance through key metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with R&D, geological, and maintenance departments to drive innovation and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and ensure the accuracy of analytical data.
• Prepare technical reports, budgets, and strategic plans for the processing division.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in base metals metallurgy.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical operations, with a significant focus on base metals (e.g., copper, lead, zinc, nickel).
• Proven expertise in designing, operating, and optimizing metallurgical processes.
• Strong understanding of mineral processing fundamentals, including comminution, flotation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with experience managing large teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and reporting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance and permitting processes in the mining sector.
• Experience with advanced process control systems is an asset.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a robust retirement fund.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement are provided.
• Relocation assistance to the coastal city of East London will be considered.
• Employees benefit from a culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.