Remote Chief Metallurgist

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work flexibility

Executive health benefits

PTO & sabbatical opportunities

Strategic influence

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist for a fully remote role to drive metallurgical process development, optimization, and troubleshooting across mining projects. You will guide technical strategy, analyze data, and improve recovery, quality, and efficiency while leading dispersed teams globally.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in extractive metallurgy, PhD or MSc in a related field, and a proven ability to work autonomously in a distributed environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in extractive metallurgy, with a strong track record in mineral processing.
• Proven expertise in flotation, leaching, smelting and related mineral processing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for metallurgical operations and research.
• Analyze and interpret metallurgical test data to optimize processes and develop new ones.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new metallurgical technologies.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and R&D teams to ensure project success.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Problem Solving

Report Writing

Remote Collaboration

Education

PhD/MSc Metallurgy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Chief Metallurgist to join their team on a fully remote basis. This senior role will be instrumental in driving metallurgical process development, optimization, and troubleshooting across various mining projects. You will provide expert technical guidance, analyze process data, and recommend improvements to enhance recovery rates, product quality, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will be a recognized leader in extractive metallurgy, capable of working autonomously and collaborating effectively with geographically dispersed teams to achieve strategic objectives within the global mining sector .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for all metallurgical operations and research.
• Analyze and interpret metallurgical test data to optimize existing processes and develop new ones.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues to improve operational performance and reduce costs.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new metallurgical technologies.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and R&D teams to ensure project success.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in extractive metallurgy, with a strong track record in mineral processing.
• Expertise in a range of mineral processing techniques (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting).
• Proven ability to lead complex metallurgical projects and manage technical teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote or distributed team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Flexible remote working arrangements allowing for global mobility.
• Comprehensive executive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and sabbatical opportunities.
• Significant influence on the company's technological direction and operational strategies.