Principal Metallurgical Superintendent

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgical Superintendent for its East London, Eastern Cape operations. The role oversees metallurgical processing, directs a large team of professionals, and drives continuous improvement to optimize recovery and efficiency while ensuring stringent safety and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in mineral processing, and a proven track record in

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations, with significant supervisory or management responsibility.
• Proven expertise in large-scale metallurgical plants and processing circuits (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, smelting).
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of safety, health, and environmental management systems in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all metallurgical processing operations.
• Oversee day-to-day plant operations including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations at East London facility.
• Manage and develop a diverse team of metallurgical professionals, engineers, and operators.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to track efficiency and identify improvement opportunities.
• Champion continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.
• Manage plant budgets and capital expenditure related to metallurgical operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate and implement new technologies.
• Report to senior management on plant performance and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Process Optimization

Education

Masters/PhD in Metallurgy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the minerals processing industry, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgical Superintendent to oversee and lead their large-scale processing operations based in **East London, Eastern Cape**. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall performance, efficiency, and safety of the metallurgical plants, ensuring optimal recovery of valuable commodities. You will manage a substantial team of metallurgists, operators, and technicians, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring adherence to stringent quality and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in complex mineral processing circuits, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of process optimization and control. This is a critical role within a significant operation in the **East London, Eastern Cape** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all metallurgical processing operations.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize process performance, improve recovery rates, and reduce operating costs.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to the **East London, Eastern Cape** facility.
• Manage and develop a diverse team of metallurgical professionals, engineers, and operators.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice adoption.
• Manage plant budgets and capital expenditure projects related to metallurgical operations.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to evaluate and implement new technologies.
• Ensure effective communication and reporting to senior management on plant performance and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations, with a significant portion in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale metallurgical plants, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, or smelting circuits.
• Proven ability to lead and develop large operational teams.
• Strong understanding of process control, optimization techniques, and statistical analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of safety, health, and environmental management systems in industrial operations.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in the **East London, Eastern Cape** industrial landscape is advantageous.
• Commitment to driving operational excellence and sustainable practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including significant performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and potential relocation assistance. This position is based at a key operational site in **East London, Eastern Cape**. Opportunities for professional development, executive leadership training, and career advancement within a global industry leader are abundant.