Exploration Advance Stage Special Projects, Manager

Ma'aden; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A mineral exploration company in Saudi Arabia is looking for a Manager to lead Advanced Stage Special Projects. This role requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in mineral exploration, focusing on uranium and rare earth elements. The successful candidate will oversee the transition of unconventional mineral targets from early concepts to advanced phases while ensuring compliance with regulations. Strong leadership and technical skills are essential. A Bachelor’s degree in Geology is required, and a Master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years in mineral exploration, especially in greenfield and early-stage projects.
• Proven ability to advance unconventional mineral resources like uranium.
• Knowledge of ESG factors and mining regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Stage Special Projects function within Exploration Division.
• Drive unconventional mineral targets from concepts to advanced exploration.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and regulatory frameworks.

Skills

Geological modeling

Resource estimation

Management of exploration workflows

Knowledge of permitting processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or related field

Master's degree in Mineral Economics or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

1. Job Details

Position Title : Manager, Exploration Advance Stage Special Projects Department & Function : Advance Stage Special Projects
Job Family : Exploration and Resource Development
Talent Pipeline :

• Managing Business (MB)
• Managing Enterprise Function (MEF)
• Managing Function / Multiple Function (MF / MMF)
• Managing Managers (MM)
• Managing Others (MO)
• Managing Self - Technical Expert (MS / E)
• Managing Self - Operational (MS / O)

Organization Layer

N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4 and below Reports to : Director Advance Stage Special Projects Job Band : E2 E1 M14 M13 M12 M11 M10 M9 M8 M7 M6 M5 M4 M3 M2 M1 Job Code : Date Prepared / Revised : July 2025

2. Overall Job Purpose

Leads a dedicated Advanced Stage Special Projects function within Maaden's Exploration Division , with full accountability for the evaluation, maturation, and strategic advancement of emerging mineral commodity opportunities -including but not limited to uranium , rare earth elements , and other non-core resources that extend beyond Maaden's existing portfolio.

Operating with a high level of technical discretion, strategic insight, and confidentiality , the role is responsible for :

• Coordinating complex technical, regulatory, and strategic workstreams , ensuring seamless integration across geology, permitting, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement
• Driving the transition of unconventional mineral targets from early-stage concepts to advanced exploration phases, including resource definition, feasibility support, and pre-development positioning
• Upholding strict confidentiality protocols and ensuring full compliance with internal governance and external regulatory frameworks

The Manager plays a critical role in unlocking future resource potential , directly contributing to Maaden's long-term growth, portfolio diversification, and strategic competitiveness. By combining technical leadership with strategic execution , the role supports Maaden's ambition to responsibly expand its mineral footprint and capitalize on emerging global opportunities.

3. Job Dimensions

# Direct / Total Reports : Est. Annual Budget :

4. Job Scope & Decision-Making Authority : Scope

The Manager leads the end-to-end execution of Special Exploration Projects , overseeing their full lifecycle from conceptualization to strategic positioning . This includes :

• Initiating and refining exploration concepts for non-traditional mineral commodities (e.g., uranium, rare earth elements)
• Screening and prioritizing targets based on geological potential, strategic fit, and regulatory feasibility
• Coordinating field operations , including drilling, sampling, and geophysical surveys, in alignment with technical and safety standards
• Navigating regulatory frameworks , securing permits, and managing compliance across jurisdictions
• Engaging multidisciplinary teams and external partners , including geology, infrastructure, permitting, and government affairs, to ensure integrated project delivery
• Positioning emerging mineral opportunities for advancement within Maaden's broader exploration and development pipeline

The role functions as a strategic integrator , ensuring that all project components are executed with precision, confidentiality, and alignment to Maaden's long-term resource development strategy.

Decisions

• Operates under the strategic direction and oversight of the Director, Exploration and Resource Development
• Holds operational responsibility for executing approved technical plans, managing resources, and coordinating internal and external stakeholders
• Makes day-to-day decisions within the boundaries of Maaden's corporate policies, governance frameworks, and strategic priorities
• Accountable for project deliverables and milestone execution , subject to regular portfolio reviews and checkpoint evaluations to ensure compliance, performance, and strategic alignment
• Supports project prioritization and resource allocation , providing recommendations based on technical merit, risk assessment, and strategic value

5. Communications & Working Relationships : Internally

• Reports directly to the Director, receiving strategic guidance and translating it into execution.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with technical, permitting, legal, ESG, and finance personnel.
• Oversees day-to-day project delivery, data integrity, and team coordination.
• May lead small-to-medium-sized teams or external consultants depending on project scope.

5. Communications & Working Relationships : Externally

• Government Authorities – Assists in communication and coordination with national and regional regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources, nuclear agencies, and environmental authorities to support permitting and compliance efforts.
• Technical Advisors & Consultants – Works with external specialists in frontier commodity domains (e.g., uranium, rare earth elements) to gather insights, validate technical plans, and ensure alignment with project standards.
• Joint Venture Partners & Academic Institutions – Engages prospective JV entities and academic partners to facilitate project-related research, knowledge exchange, and potential future collaboration.
• External Contractors – Coordinates with third-party service providers-such as drilling, permitting, and environmental study teams-to support timely execution and quality delivery of exploration activities.

6. Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualification : Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a closely related field.
Additional Qualifications (preferred) : Master's degree in Mineral Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, or Public Policy.

Min Technical / Functional Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with exposure to greenfield and early-stage frontier projects.
• Proven ability to support the evaluation and advancement of unconventional or strategic mineral resources such as uranium and rare earth elements.
• Working knowledge of permitting processes, ESG factors, and national regulatory requirements relevant to the mining or energy sectors.
• Strong proficiency in geological modeling, resource estimation , and management of exploration workflows.
• Sound understanding of financial planning , cost evaluation, and assessing speculative projects within budget and capital constraints.

Min Leadership / Management Experience (if applicable)

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a managerial capacity leading multidisciplinary teams within exploration or related technical domains.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with executive leadership , regulatory authorities, and external partners to support project goals, stakeholder alignment, and compliance objectives.