Operations Manager - Mining

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonuses

Medical & retirement benefits

Company vehicle

Accommodation allowance

Career growth opportunities

Strategic leadership role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead a major mining operation in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role drives production, costs, safety, and environmental performance, reporting to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in mining with 5+ years in leadership, plus strong financial and stakeholder management skills. This on-site role offers substantial scope for strategic impact and team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining/Metallurgical Engineering or related field (MBA advantageous).
• At least 10 years in mining operations, with 5+ years in management.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and safety/environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mine operations: production, maintenance, safety, environment, and community relations.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to hit production targets and optimize resources.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and foster safety culture.
• Manage budgets, capex, and performance metrics; report to senior management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers and staff.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to boost efficiency and sustainability.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field

Master's degree or MBA advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Operations Manager to lead their significant mining operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic and operational success of the mine site, ensuring optimal production, cost efficiency, and adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive mining experience, and a proven track record of managing complex operations in a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of mine operations, including production, maintenance, safety, environmental management, and community relations.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve production targets, optimize resource utilization, and control costs effectively.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations, fostering a robust safety culture.
• Manage budgets, capital expenditures, and operational performance metrics, reporting regularly to senior management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and operational staff.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mining operations, with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale mining operations, preferably in the Richards Bay region or similar environments.
• In-depth knowledge of mining processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, including executive bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Company vehicle and accommodation allowance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.
• A leadership role with substantial impact and responsibility in a key industrial hub.