Principal Project Manager - Mine Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Relocation assistance

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead major greenfield and brownfield mine development projects in East London, Eastern Cape. You will define scope, manage budgets, coordinate engineers, geologists, and contractors, and ensure delivery to schedule and quality targets.

The role requires extensive mining project experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of project management methodologies within a global mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• 15+ years of experience in project management with at least 10 years in large-scale mining project development.
• Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets.
• Knowledge of mining processes, construction and commissioning phases.
• Proficiency with MS Project or Primavera P6.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closure of major mine development projects.
• Develop project plans with scope, schedule, budget, and resources.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams including engineers, geologists, and contractors.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor selection.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor progress, manage risks, and report on financial performance.
• Engage with senior management, government agencies, and local communities.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery processes and safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining/Civil Engineering

Master's degree or PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major international mining corporation, is seeking an experienced Principal Project Manager to lead significant mine development projects. This role will be based in East London, Eastern Cape , overseeing greenfield and brownfield projects from inception through to commissioning. You will be responsible for defining project scope, managing budgets, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring successful project delivery within schedule and quality parameters. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing large-scale capital projects within the mining industry, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of project management methodologies. This is a high-impact role contributing to the strategic expansion and development of mining assets. Join a world-class organization committed to excellence and innovation in mining development in the vibrant region of East London, Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of major mine development projects.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
• Manage project teams, including engineers, geologists, construction managers, and contractors.
• Oversee the procurement process, contract management, and vendor selection.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage project budgets and financial reporting, ensuring projects remain within financial constraints.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including senior management, government agencies, and local communities.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes and methodologies.
• Champion a strong safety culture throughout all project phases.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in project management, with at least 10 years focused on large-scale mining project development (greenfield and/or brownfield).
• Proven experience managing projects with multi-million dollar budgets.
• Extensive knowledge of mining processes, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Strong understanding of risk management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the East London, Eastern Cape area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, substantial bonus potential, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and relocation assistance.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, international exposure, and career advancement within a global organization.
• Work in state-of-the-art facilities in East London, Eastern Cape , and contribute to flagship mining projects.
• We offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.