Operations Lead - Mining Sector

Placements24; Welkom; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, seeks an experienced Operations Lead to manage and optimize large-scale mining operations. You will drive efficiency, lead a diverse workforce, and ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and budget adherence to achieve ambitious production targets.

The role requires 8+ years in mining operations management, a mining engineering degree (postgraduate preferred), and strong leadership across engineering, maintenance, and geology teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or closely related field; postgraduate qualifications are a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive mining operations management experience.
• Proven leadership of large, diverse teams in a mining context.
• In-depth knowledge of mining equipment, processes, and technologies.
• Strong knowledge of South African mining legislation, safety protocols (MHSA), and environmental regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day mining operations, ensuring schedules and quality.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety.
• Lead and develop mine supervisors, operators, and support staff.
• Monitor KPIs and analyze data to drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage resources—equipment, materials, and personnel.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and geology teams.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Conduct site inspections and risk assessments to mitigate hazards.
• Contribute to budgeting and financial planning for the site.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Mining equipment knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Operational planning software

Mine planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent player in the South African mining industry, renowned for its commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operations Lead to manage and optimize critical operational functions at their facility in Welkom, Free State . This challenging position demands a strategic leader with extensive experience in large-scale mining operations, production management, and a deep understanding of relevant safety and environmental regulations. The successful candidate will be pivotal in driving efficiency, ensuring high productivity, and leading a diverse workforce to achieve ambitious production targets. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to a major mining operation and advance your career within a respected organization committed to innovation and responsible mining practices in the Welkom area.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day mining operations, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mine supervisors, operators, and support staff, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Monitor key operational metrics and KPIs, analyzing data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations specific to the mining sector.
• Manage resources, including equipment, materials, and personnel, to optimize operational output.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and geological departments to ensure seamless integration of operations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.
• Conduct regular site inspections and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Manage operational budgets and contribute to financial planning for the mining site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. A postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mining operations management, with significant exposure to underground or open-pit mining environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing large, diverse operational teams in a mining context.
• In-depth knowledge of mining equipment, processes, and technologies.
• Strong understanding of South African mining legislation, safety protocols (e.g., Mine Health and Safety Act), and environmental regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in operational planning software and ERP systems.
• Experience in implementing safety management systems and driving safety culture improvements.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, often hazardous, operational environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, alongside significant performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits portfolio including medical aid, life insurance, and a provident fund. This role includes a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on-site operational oversight in Welkom and remote strategic planning. Opportunities for continuous professional development, leadership training, and career advancement within the organization are abundant. Employees also benefit from generous leave provisions and potential relocation assistance. This is a pivotal role with substantial impact in the Free State mining sector.