Mine Operations Manager

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 61,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration package

Relocation assistance

Medical and retirement benefits

Housing allowance or company housing

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Operations Manager for a large-scale mining operation in Upington, Northern Cape. You will oversee all mining activities across open-pit and/or underground projects, ensuring safe, efficient production within budget and timelines.

The role requires a strong track record in senior management, strategic planning, and cost control, with a focus on safety, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement. On-site residency is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related technical discipline; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15 years in mine operations with at least 7 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience managing large-scale open-pit and/or underground mining operations.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Willingness to reside on-site near Upington.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day mining operations ensuring safe, efficient production and timely execution of plans.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with company objectives and resource models.
• Mentor departmental managers and supervisors to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Control costs and manage budgets to achieve targets within financial parameters.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering and geology to optimize mine plans and resources.
• Oversee maintenance and efficient use of mining equipment fleet.
• Drive process improvements, productivity enhancements and operational innovations.
• Manage stakeholder relationships including community engagement and regulatory interactions.
• Report on operational performance to senior management with insights and recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Safety management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related technical discipline

Master's degree or MBA (advantage)

Job description

About the Role Our client, a large-scale mining operation in the **Upington, Northern Cape**, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Mine Operations Manager. This critical on-site leadership position is responsible for the overall management and execution of all mining activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production targets are met. You will oversee multiple departments, including mining, technical services, maintenance, and health and safety, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. The Mine Operations Manager must possess strong leadership acumen, a deep understanding of diverse mining methods (open-pit and/or underground), and a proven ability to manage large teams and complex operations. This role is central to the success and profitability of the mining venture. A strategic vision for optimizing production is key.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day mining operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and timely execution of production plans.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with the company's objectives and resource models.
• Manage and mentor departmental managers and supervisors, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Control operational costs and manage budgets effectively to achieve production targets within financial parameters.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering, and geology departments to optimize mine plans and resource utilization.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient utilization of mining equipment fleet.
• Drive initiatives for process improvement, productivity enhancement, and operational innovation.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including community engagement and regulatory interactions.
• Report on operational performance to senior management, providing insights and recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related technical discipline. A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mine operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior management role (e.g., Mine Manager, Operations Superintendent).
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale open-pit and/or underground mining operations.
• In-depth knowledge of various mining methods, equipment, and operational best practices.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental excellence.
• Willingness to reside and work on-site or in close proximity to **Upington**.

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package including significant performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive expatriate benefits package (if applicable) or full relocation assistance.
• Top-tier medical aid, life assurance, and retirement benefits.
• Exceptional career advancement opportunities within a global mining leader.
• Opportunity to lead significant mining operations and make a strategic impact.
• Company housing or substantial housing allowance.