Mine Operations Manager - Surface Mining

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Mine Operations Manager to lead surface mining activities near Nelspruit. You will oversee planning, execution, and management of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling with a focus on safety and cost-efficiency.

The role demands a proven track record managing large teams and budgets, deep knowledge of surface mining equipment, and strong leadership and communication skills. A leadership-focused environment offers growth and strategic impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Min 10 years of progressive experience in mine operations management with surface mining focus.
• Proven track record managing large teams and budgets in demanding environments.
• Extensive knowledge of surface mining equipment, technologies and best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to meet production targets safely and efficiently.
• Manage all aspects of surface mining operations, including drilling, blasting, loading and hauling.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, environmental regulations and company policies.
• Oversee budget development and management for the mining operations department.
• Lead, mentor and develop the operational team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering and geology for integrated operations.
• Monitor operational performance, identify areas for optimization, and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Safety management

Communication

Problem-solving

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Mine Operations Manager to lead their surface mining operations near Nelspruit . This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and management of all mining activities, ensuring safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. You will oversee a diverse team of professionals, including engineers, supervisors, and operators, driving operational excellence and fostering a strong safety culture. The ideal candidate possesses proven leadership abilities, a deep understanding of surface mining techniques, and a strategic mindset to optimize extraction processes and contribute to the company's profitability and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to meet production targets safely and efficiently.
• Manage all aspects of surface mining operations, including drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Oversee budget development and management for the mining operations department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operational team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other departments, including maintenance, engineering, and geology, to ensure integrated operations.
• Monitor operational performance, identify areas for optimization, and implement corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine operations management, with a significant focus on surface mining .
• Proven track record of managing large operational teams and budgets in a demanding environment.
• Extensive knowledge of surface mining equipment, technologies, and best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Premium health, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• Generous vacation policy and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for advancement and leadership development within the organization.
• An engaging work environment in the scenic Nelspruit area, contributing to a vital industry.