Operations Manager - Mining

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level remuneration package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Equity or share options

Relocation assistance

Executive housing provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent global mining corporation in Soweto, Gauteng, to recruit an Operations Manager. This senior role oversees day-to-day mining activities, safety, maintenance, and environmental compliance, leading a large multi-disciplinary team to achieve strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mine-management background, exceptional leadership, and a deep understanding of operational and economic drivers in mining.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field is required.
• An MBA or equivalent business qualification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years in mining operations management with leadership of large teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all mining operations, including extraction, processing, and related activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to hit production targets and cost efficiencies.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead a diverse workforce and foster safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage operating budgets, control costs and optimize resources.
• Monitor KPIs and drive performance improvements with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance and technical departments for equipment reliability.
• Drive innovation and adoption of technologies for sustainability.
• Represent the operations department in senior management discussions and stakeholder relations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

MBA

Tools

ERP software

Financial modeling (Excel)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global mining corporation, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee a significant mining operation located in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA. This senior leadership role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable day-to-day management of all mining activities, including production, maintenance, health and safety, and environmental compliance. You will lead a large, multi-disciplinary team, driving operational excellence and implementing strategic initiatives to optimize performance and achieve corporate objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mine management, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of the operational and economic drivers within the mining industry. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a substantial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of mining operations, including open-pit or underground extraction, processing, and associated activities.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and quality standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and lead a diverse workforce, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and technical departments to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance operational performance and sustainability.
• Represent the operations department in senior management meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local communities, and suppliers.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• An MBA or equivalent business qualification is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mining operations management, with a proven track record of success in leading large teams and complex operations.
• Extensive knowledge of mining methods, operational planning, and financial management within the mining sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in health, safety, and environmental management systems in a mining context.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency in operational planning software and financial management tools.
• Experience managing large operational budgets and capital expenditure programs.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and navigate complex challenges.

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package including a substantial base salary, bonus, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive benefits including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• Performance-based equity or share options.
• Opportunity to lead operations at a significant scale for a major mining house.
• Support for ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Relocation assistance and executive housing provisions.
• A challenging and rewarding role with substantial influence and responsibility.