Executive Metallurgist & Plant Strategy Leader (Relocation)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 3,500,000 - 5,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Professional development support

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist to lead our clients’ processing operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role oversees all aspects of mineral processing to maximize metal recovery and product quality, with a focus on innovation, cost control, and environmental compliance.

The successful candidate will drive plant performance, mentor a team of metallurgists and engineers, and collaborate with R&D and operations to deliver safe, reliable processing solutions at scale.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in metallurgy, chemical engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical leadership experience in mining/metals.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and optimize mineral processing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical department with strategic direction and technical oversight.
• Oversee design and optimization of mineral processing circuits (comminution, flotation, leaching, refining).
• Develop strategies to maximize metal recovery, product quality and plant efficiency.
• Manage budgets, projects, and personnel; ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and operations to integrate metallurgy into projects.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgical expertise

Process optimization

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Masters or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process modeling software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist to lead our clients’ processing operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role oversees all aspects of mineral processing to maximize metal recovery and product quality, with a focus on innovation, cost control, and environmental compliance.

The successful candidate will drive plant performance, mentor a team of metallurgists and engineers, and collaborate with R&D and operations to deliver safe, reliable processing solutions at scale.