Principal Industrial Engineer - Mining Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Travel allowances

Professional development

International assignments

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic process improvements across mining operations.

You will drive long-term engineering strategies, optimize the value chain, and mentor a team of engineers while ensuring safety and compliance in a heavy industry environment. Willingness to travel to site locations is required. You will also guide production planning systems and feasibility studies for innovative upgrades.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or Mining Engineering.
• 10-12 years in industrial engineering, mining or heavy industry.
• Experience leading large-scale mining projects and process improvements.
• In-depth knowledge of mining processes, equipment and SA safety regulations.
• Expertise in process simulation and data analytics for mining.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling and control in mining.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites around Rustenburg.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of long-term industrial engineering strategies for mining operations.
• Analyze and optimize the mining value chain from extraction to processing and logistics.
• Design and implement advanced production planning and scheduling systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new technologies.
• Develop and implement robust safety and environmental management systems.
• Oversee simulation and modeling of complex mining processes to identify bottlenecks.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers and operations staff.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and managers to align engineering with business objectives.
• Champion adoption of new technologies, automation, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations and industry standards in North West.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Process simulation

Advanced data analytics

Production planning

Safety regulations

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining sector based in **Rustenburg, North West**, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Industrial Engineer to spearhead operational efficiency initiatives. This senior position is responsible for the strategic planning, design, and implementation of large-scale process improvements within mining and processing operations. You will be at the forefront of driving innovation, enhancing safety protocols, and maximizing resource utilization. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in heavy industry, a deep understanding of mining processes, and a proven ability to lead complex engineering projects from conception to completion. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence operational strategies at the highest level within a company committed to sustainable and advanced mining practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of long-term industrial engineering strategies for mining operations.
• Analyze and optimize all aspects of the mining value chain, from extraction to processing and logistics.
• Design and implement advanced production planning and scheduling systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new technologies and process upgrades.
• Develop and implement robust safety and environmental management systems tailored to mining operations.
• Oversee the simulation and modeling of complex mining processes to identify bottlenecks and efficiency gains.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of industrial engineers and operational staff.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operational managers to ensure alignment of engineering efforts with business objectives.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies, automation, and best practices within the mining industry.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations and industry standards in North West .

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with significant focus on the mining or heavy industry sector.
• Proven experience in leading and managing large-scale operational improvement projects in a mining context.
• In-depth knowledge of mining processes, equipment, and safety regulations specific to South Africa.
• Expertise in process simulation software and advanced data analytics tools relevant to mining.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic operational plans.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and control systems in a mining environment.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites around Rustenburg .

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary package including bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and top-tier retirement fund.
• Opportunity to work on significant, industry-shaping projects.
• Generous travel and accommodation allowances for site visits.
• Extensive professional development opportunities and access to industry conferences.
• A stimulating leadership role with significant autonomy and impact.
• Potential for international assignments within the parent company's global network.