Head Of Engineering-Mining

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

Job summary

A specialized recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Engineering based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The role requires a postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and over 15 years of experience in the mining or heavy industry, including 5 years in senior management. The successful candidate will drive strategic engineering initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and safety. A competitive salary package of R4,000,000 per annum is offered, negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years experience in operational engineering within mining or heavy industry.
• At least 5 years at senior management level.
• Proven leadership in Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft-based engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a culture of safety leadership.
• Oversee major capital projects and standardize equipment.
• Develop and monitor Asset Management strategies for optimization.

Skills

Advanced operational safety leadership

Proficiency in legislative, safety, health, and environmental standards

Strong team leadership

Strategic problem-solving skills

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Government Certificate of Competence (GCC) Mines & Works

Professional registration (ECSA, AMRE, SAIEE)

Job description

POSITION : Head of Engineering

JOB LEVEL : E Upper

DEPARTMENT : Engineering

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‑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.

MIN REQUIREMENTS

• 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

PACKAGE

R4 000 000 Per Annum Negotiable

APPLICATION NOTE