Coordinator, Shift Operations

FQM Zambia; Colon (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

First Quantum is seeking a Process Plant Operations Manager to lead metallurgical processing operations in Panama. You will drive safety culture, optimize plant throughput and product quality, and manage budgets while coordinating across Maintenance, Mining and Commercial teams.

The role requires extensive experience in large-scale mineral processing, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills to report on performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Process Engineering, Metallurgy or a related field
• Minimum 15 years of technical and leadership experience in large, complex metallurgical process operations
• Significant experience in base metal crushing/grinding and flotation circuits
• Familiarity with SHE management systems
• Excellent leadership and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Operate in compliance with all relevant laws of Panama
• Drive and embed a strong safety culture within the department
• Deliver optimized plant throughput, recovery and product quality targets
• Manage production budgets and forecasts
• Foster a high-performing team across Process, Maintenance and Mining
• Coordinate with Commercial to ensure availability of consumables and spare parts

Skills

Process optimization

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Safety management

Cross-functional teamwork

Multicultural awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification in Process Engineering

Post-graduate qualifications

Tools

Process control knowledge

Maintenance planning tools

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job Description

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, or a related field


• Post-graduate qualifications are highly regarded


• Minimum of 15 years of technical and leadership experience in large, complex metallurgical process operations within a multinational mining company


• Significant experience in base metal crushing/grinding and flotation circuits; direct copper concentrator experience is highly regarded


• Familiarity with best practices in workplace Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) management systems


• Excellent leadership and motivational skills


• Strong understanding of technical, production, and maintenance strategies for large-scale, continuous mineral processing plants


• Excellent cognitive and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex metallurgical information, process improvement initiatives, and control strategies


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to assemble data and produce clear and accurate operational performance reports (upward and downward communication)


• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills


• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment


• Strong computer skills

Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables

• Operate in compliance with all relevant and applicable laws of Panama


• Ensure appropriate Safety and Environmental Management Systems are implemented for the Processing Plant Engineering team


• Drive and embed a strong safety culture within the department and ensure adherence to safe operating procedures across all plant activities


• Ensure all Safety and Environmental incidents are promptly addressed and reported


• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Mining, Maintenance, Port, TMF, and Technical Production leadership teams


• Champion key plant safety systems, including work permitting and lock-out procedures, to control operational hazards


• Support effective management of the production budget on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis


• Consistently deliver the primary KPI of optimized plant equipment performance to achieve throughput, recovery, and product quality targets


• Ensure plant defects are identified and corrected, balancing short-term production needs with long-term preventative measures


• Foster a strong team environment across Process, Maintenance, and Mining departments


• Ensure effective engagement and coordination with the Commercial Department to guarantee availability of consumables, parts, and materials for scheduled plans


• Ensure production schedules include appropriate planned maintenance periods

JOB DESCRIPTION: Process Plant Operations Manager

C2 – INTERNAL

• Manage equipment strategies and long-term shutdown plans in collaboration with Maintenance leadership


• Support the Process Department by delivering optimized equipment operability to achieve plant throughput targets


• Manage, track, and report continuous improvement initiatives and departmental culture to enhance operational performance


• Approve and implement capital improvement projects


• Implement the approved organizational structure, manning levels, and resources required to deliver the Plant Operations Plan


• Maintain staff development and training programs, with a strong focus on skills transfer and coaching of national staff


• Actively manage talent development and succession planning for critical roles


• Champion and implement key organizational initiatives within the department


• Support the preparation of daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual operational reports


• Support the preparation of quarterly and annual operational budgets and forecasts


• Control, report, and reduce operational costs


• Act in the Process Manager role as required and perform general site leadership duties as assigned


• Perform other related duties as required