Senior Mining Operations Manager - Strategic Leadership

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 128,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid & life insurance

Bonus structure & long-term incentive

Job summary

Placements24 currently seeks a Senior Mining Operations Manager to lead expansive mining activities near Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on safety, production, and financial performance while guiding a large team of mine professionals.

You will shape strategy, drive capital projects, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. A PE or equivalent and 15+ years in mining leadership are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline; MBA or Master's degree is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mine operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Mine Manager, Operations Manager).
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale open pit and/or underground mining operations.
• Proven track record of achieving operational targets in safety, production, and cost management.
• In-depth knowledge of mining equipment, technologies, and operational best practices.
• Strong understanding of relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Willingness to reside within commuting distance or relocate to Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of mining operations, including safety, production, maintenance, and resource management.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and safety objectives.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of mine managers, supervisors, and operational staff.
• Oversee the implementation of mine plans and production schedules, optimizing resource utilization.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee major capital projects and equipment procurement related to operations.
• Report on operational performance to senior executive management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Safety & compliance

Operational excellence

Negotiation & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

MBA or Master’s degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the mining sector, is seeking a highly accomplished and results-driven Senior Mining Operations Manager to oversee their extensive operations in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**. This executive leadership position is responsible for the overall management, safety, efficiency, and profitability of the mining operations. You will lead a large workforce, implement best practices in operational management, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing complex mining operations, a deep understanding of safety regulations, and exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. This is a crucial role with significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a key mining asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of mining operations, including safety, production, maintenance, and resource management.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and safety objectives.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of mine managers, supervisors, and operational staff.
• Oversee the implementation of mine plans and production schedules, optimizing resource utilization.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee major capital projects and equipment procurement related to operations.
• Report on operational performance to senior executive management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline; an MBA or Master's degree is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mine operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Mine Manager, Operations Manager).
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale open pit and/or underground mining operations.
• Proven track record of achieving operational targets in safety, production, and cost management.
• In-depth knowledge of mining equipment, technologies, and operational best practices.
• Strong understanding of relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Willingness to reside within commuting distance or relocate to **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, life insurance, a generous bonus structure, and a long-term incentive plan.
• We provide outstanding opportunities for career advancement, executive development programs.
• This role offers the challenge and reward of managing a major mining asset in a region rich with potential.
• Join our client and make a significant contribution to the future of mining.