Expat Zambia - Construction Manager - Bulk Earthworks / TSF / Roads

Sourcing and Recruitment Consultants; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 995,000 - 1,493,000; Full time

Job summary

Construction Manager role in Zambia for an established contractor leading major earthworks, dam construction, and TSFs on a remote mining project. The position requires hands-on site leadership, overseeing safety, quality, and programme delivery with site teams in a camp-based environment.

Candidates should have 15+ years in civil construction, strong earthworks expertise, and proven capability to manage subcontractors, plant, and safety in challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience in civil construction.
• Experience managing major earthworks, dams, TSFs, bulk infrastructure.
• Senior site leadership on large-scale projects.
• Strong earthmoving fleet management experience.
• Experience in remote camp-based Africa projects.
• Mining project experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily construction activities and production targets.
• Manage earthworks, embankment construction, drainage, liners.
• Monitor progress and implement recovery plans.
• Coordinate labour, plant, materials to outputs.
• Drive productivity and safe site operations.
• Oversee quality management and QC plans.
• Plan material and resources to support delivery.
• Manage plant reporting and maintenance.

Skills

Civil construction

Earthworks

Dam construction

Site leadership

Remote camp

Fleet management

Education

Civil Construction degree

Tools

MS Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Zambia | Rotation Position 9wks on 9 days home.

An established engineering and construction contractor operating within the African mining sector is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead the delivery of major earthworks and dam construction activities on a large mining project in Zambia.

This is a hands‑on site leadership role for a seasoned construction professional with extensive experience in earthworks, embankments, tailings storage facilities (TSFs), dams, and bulk civil infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving production, quality, safety, and programme execution while leading site teams in a remote mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Delivery & Programme Execution

• Lead daily construction activities and production targets.
• Manage earthworks, embankment construction, drainage systems, liners, and associated infrastructure.
• Monitor progress against programme and implement recovery plans where required.
• Coordinate labour, plant, equipment, and materials to achieve planned outputs.
• Drive productivity and ensure efficient site operations.

Technical & Quality Management

• Review and implement construction methodologies and quality control plans.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications and approved drawings.
• Oversee compaction testing, material testing, and quality assurance processes.


• Manage technical queries and ensure timely resolution of site issues.


• Close out non-conformances and implement corrective actions.


• Manage earthmoving fleets and monitor utilisation and productivity.


• Oversee daily plant reporting and maintenance coordination.


• Plan material and resource requirements to support programme delivery.


• Monitor downtime and implement corrective measures to minimise delays.

Health, Safety & Environmental Leadership

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across the project.


• Conduct regular inspections and ensure safe work practices are followed.


• Lead toolbox talks and safety engagements.


• Ensure compliance with site health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.


• Investigate and report incidents and implement preventative measures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead supervisors, foremen, operators, and site personnel.


• Coach and mentor site teams to improve performance and capability.


• Manage subcontractor performance and compliance.


• Foster accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Experience

• 15+ years' experience in civil construction.


• Proven experience managing major earthworks, dam, TSF, road, or bulk infrastructure projects.


• Demonstrated experience in a senior site leadership role on large-scale construction projects.


• Strong earthmoving fleet management experience.


• Previous experience working in remote or camp-based environments within Africa.


• Experience working on mining projects will be highly advantageous.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:


• Earthworks and embankment construction


• Compaction standards and quality control


• Drainage and water management systems


• Reading and interpreting construction drawings and geotechnical reports


• Construction planning and programme management

Qualifications

• Relevant trade qualification, diploma, or degree in Civil Construction, Construction Management, or a related field.


• Valid driver's licence.


• Proficiency in MS Office and construction-related reporting systems