Executive Manager / General Manager – Engineering (Mining)

Hedz recruitment solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 4 000 000 - 6 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking a senior-level engineering professional in Johannesburg. The role encompasses strategic direction and operational optimisation of engineering functions, requiring a postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in mining or heavy industry. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a proven track record in both Trackless Mobile Machinery and Shaft-based operations, with at least 15 years of experience. This position offers a competitive package with negotiable terms, sign-on bonus included.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years experience in operational engineering within mining or heavy industry, with at least 5 years at senior management level.
• Proven leadership in both Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft-based engineering operations.
• Capability to assume legal responsibility under the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a culture of authentic safety leadership.
• Oversee major capital projects and implement robust engineering governance practices.
• Align engineering planning with operational strategies and monitor operational performance.

Skills

Operational safety leadership

Legislative and compliance knowledge

Team leadership and collaboration

Strategic problem-solving

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Government Certificate of Competence (GCC) Mines & Works

Professional registration (ECSA, AMRE, SAIEE)

Job description

JOB LEVEL : E Upper

DEPARTMENT : Engineering

Industry : Mining

Package : R4mill-R6Mill Neg + Sign on bonus

ROLE OVERVIEW

This is a senior-level role (Job Grade : E Upper) , responsible for the strategic direction, governance, and operational optimisation of all engineering functions across Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft & Infrastructure systems . The successful incumbent will play a pivotal role in aligning engineering practices with the broader Asset Management Strategy driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation through the integration of best-in-class maintenance practices, automation, and performance analytics.

This complex Level 4 Stratified Systems Theory (SST) role requires a combination of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and leadership depth to deliver high-impact outcomes across a multifaceted engineering environment. Reporting at a senior management level, the role balances technical expertise with organisational leadership, while embedding a culture of safety, productivity, and respect across the engineering function.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Government Certificate of Competence (GCC) Mines & Works
• Professional registration (ECSA, AMRE, SAIEE)
• Minimum 15 years experience in operational engineering within mining or heavy industry, with at least 5 years at senior management level
• Proven leadership in both Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft-based engineering operations
• Strong track record in large capital projects, asset management, and technology deployment
• Deep understanding of engineering planning, legal compliance, ESG leadership, and financial governance
• Capability to assume legal responsibility under the Mine Health and Safety Act
• Medically fit for the role, including passing risk-based assessments and heat tolerance screening

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Advanced operational safety leadership with a proven safety delivery record
• Proficiency in legislative, safety, health, and environmental requirements and standards
• Strong team leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills
• Resilience and adaptability in ambiguous and dynamic environments
• Strategic problem-solving and systems-thinking skills
• Experience with business optimisation methodologies, e.g., Lean Six Sigma
• High personal accountability and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Understanding of ESG principles and corporate citizenship
• Full-cycle operational financial and commercial budgeting experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and promote a culture of authentic safety leadership, including safety campaigns, audits, incident management, and investigations
• Stay abreast of legislative changes affecting engineering operations and implement compliant strategies
• Champion initiatives to foster a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace
• Lead engineering talent management programmes, including workforce development, succession planning, coaching, and mentorship
• Develop, execute, and monitor Asset Management strategies to optimise fleet, plant, and infrastructure reliability and ROI
• Oversee major capital projects, standardise equipment and processes, and implement robust engineering governance practices
• Align engineering planning with operational strategies, including labour, materials, utilities, and capital planning
• Embed data-driven operational performance analytics to identify and implement improvement initiatives
• Participate in operational planning and scheduling sessions to resolve operational challenges collaboratively
• Monitor advancements in engineering technology, automation, and mechanisation for adoption in operations
• Develop and maintain energy management strategies to optimise efficiency and emissions
• Build and manage stakeholder relationships while ensuring accountability for operational delivery, service levels, and ethical standards
• Oversee cost, capital, and budget management practices across engineering operations