Exploration Manager

SAUDI ARABIAN RESOURCES COMPANY; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Saudi Gold Refinery SGR seeks an experienced Exploration Manager in Riyadh to lead the identification and evaluation of gold mineral assets. You will drive the technical strategy for securing domestic feedstock, supervise drilling programs, and ensure compliance with Saudi regulations and international reporting standards.

The role reports to the Exploration Director, builds a capable geological team, and contributes to expanding SGR's resource base for downstream refining operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences required.
• Minimum 15 years of exploration experience with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Proven gold exploration experience in arid environments.
• Proficiency with Leapfrog Geo or Datamine for geological modeling.
• Strong knowledge of JORC or NI 43-101 reporting standards.
• Experience managing drilling contractors and field operations.
• Fluency in English for technical reporting.
• Willingness to travel to remote sites in Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual exploration plans targeting high-potential gold deposits.
• Supervise drilling contractors and field teams, ensuring safe data collection and adherence to specs and HSE.
• Oversee geological modeling and mineral resource estimates using standard software; ensure compliance with reporting codes.
• Maintain licenses/permits through engagement with MIM and Saudi authorities; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Implement QA/QC procedures for sampling and assay processes to ensure data quality.
• Recruit and mentor geological staff; conduct performance reviews and support career growth.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to align exploration with corporate goals.
• Evaluate acquisitions or JV opportunities through technical assessments and risk analysis.

Skills

Geology

Leadership

Exploration strategy

HSE compliance

Geological modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Leapfrog Geo

Datamine

Job description

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery SGR is seeking an Exploration Manager in Riyadh Saudi Arabia to lead the identification and evaluation of gold mineral assets This role drives the technical strategy for securing domestic feedstock through rigorous geological assessment and drilling programs The manager ensures all exploration activities comply with Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources regulations and international reporting standards The Exploration Manager will report directly to the Exploration Director and will play a key role in expanding SGR s resource base This position impacts the company s long-term supply security by delivering validated mineral resources for downstream refining operations

Key Responsibilities

• Exploration Strategy Execution

  The role develops and implements annual exploration plans that target high-potential gold deposits within licensed concessions This includes budget management and resource allocation to maximize discovery potential

• Field Operations Oversight

  This position supervises drilling contractors and field teams to ensure safe and efficient data collection It enforces strict adherence to technical specifications and HSE protocols during all field activities

• Resource Modeling and Estimation

  The manager oversees the creation of geological models and mineral resource estimates using industry-standard software It ensures all estimates comply with JORC or NI 43-1 reporting codes

• Regulatory Compliance Management

  The role maintains all necessary exploration licenses and permits through proactive engagement with MIM and SGS It submits required technical reports and ensures full compliance with Saudi mining laws

• Data Quality Assurance

  This position implements rigorous QA QC procedures for sampling and assay processes to guarantee data integrity It validates laboratory results through systematic analysis of standards and duplicates

• Team Leadership and Development

  The manager recruits and mentors geological staff to build a competent and safety-conscious team It conducts performance evaluations and fosters professional growth among direct reports

• Stakeholder Engagement

  The role liaises with internal departments and external partners to align exploration activities with corporate goals It manages relationships with local communities and regulatory authorities to facilitate smooth operations

• Technical Due Diligence

  This position evaluates potential acquisition targets or joint venture opportunities through technical assessment It provides recommendations on the geological viability and risk profile of new assets

Success Metrics

• Completion of the annual drilling program within the approved budget and timeline
• Delivery of a compliant mineral resource estimate for priority targets
• Zero recordable safety incidents during field operations
• Timely renewal of all exploration licenses without regulatory issues
• Implementation of a validated QA QC protocol for all assay data
• Successful mentoring and development of at least two junior geologists
• Identification of new high-potential targets for future exploration cycles

Equal Opportunity Statement

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements skills experience and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences is required for this position.Candidates must have at least 15 years of exploration experience with 5 years in a management role.Proven expertise in gold exploration within arid environments is essential.Proficiency in geological modeling software such as Leapfrog Geo or Datamine is required.Strong knowledge of JORC or NI 43-1 reporting standards is mandatory.Experience in managing drilling contractors and field operations is necessary.Fluency in English is required for technical reporting and communication.Willingness to travel to remote sites within Saudi Arabia is a condition of employment.Preferred / Nice-to-haveAdvanced degree in Economic Geology or a related field is preferred.Familiarity with Saudi mining regulations and MIM licensing processes is advantageous.Professional geologist certification is highly desirable.Experience in metallurgical testing and refining integration is a plus.