Remote Chief Metallurgist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 4,154,000 - 5,816,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Global health, life, and disability保险

Retirement plan contributions

Professional development opportunities

Fully remote work arrangement

Equity options

Industry leadership roles

Job summary

Placements24 client, a globally recognized leader in the precious metals sector, seeks a Chief Metallurgist to lead metallurgical innovation and operational excellence in a fully remote role.

You will set the technical direction, drive R&D, optimize plant performance, and ensure safety and environmental compliance across a diverse portfolio. This is a high-impact, executive leadership opportunity with global scope.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in metallurgical operations and R&D.
• Extensive experience with flotation, leaching, smelting, refining.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale metallurgical optimization projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience with advanced process control and digital transformation.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for metallurgical operations and R&D.
• Oversee development and implementation of innovative processes.
• Drive optimization to improve recovery, reduce costs, and raise quality.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead and mentor a global team of metallurgists.
• Manage metallurgical aspects of feasibility studies and new projects.
• Foster relationships with research institutions and suppliers.
• Oversee metallurgical accounting, performance monitoring, reporting.
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Approve major capital expenditure proposals.

Skills

Metallurgical leadership

Strategic thinking

R&D leadership

Process optimization

Team mentoring

Stakeholder management

Change management

Digital transformation

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the precious metals sector, is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Chief Metallurgist to lead their metallurgical innovation and operational excellence initiatives. This is a fully remote, strategic leadership position, offering the opportunity to shape the future of metallurgical processes across the company's diverse portfolio. You will be responsible for setting the technical direction, driving research and development, optimizing plant performance, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep and broad expertise in all facets of mineral processing, a proven track record of managing complex metallurgical operations, and exceptional leadership capabilities. As a fully remote role, this position is ideal for an experienced professional seeking high-level impact and flexibility. We foster a collaborative and innovative remote‑first culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive‑level leadership and strategic direction for all metallurgical operations and R&D.
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative metallurgical processes and technologies.
• Drive optimization initiatives to enhance recovery rates, reduce operating costs, and improve product quality.
• Ensure consistent compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead and mentor a global team of senior metallurgists and technical experts.
• Manage the metallurgical aspects of feasibility studies and new project developments.
• Foster strong relationships with research institutions, suppliers, and industry bodies.
• Oversee metallurgical accounting, performance monitoring, and reporting.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Approve major metallurgical capital expenditure proposals.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience in metallurgical operations and R&D within the mining industry.
• Extensive experience across various commodities and processing techniques (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting, refining).
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale metallurgical optimization and innovation projects.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire diverse, geographically dispersed teams.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with advanced process control and digital transformation in metallurgy.
• Familiarity with global mining industry trends and best practices.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including substantial bonuses and equity options.
• Comprehensive global health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan contributions.
• Significant professional development opportunities and industry leadership roles.
• Ultimate flexibility with a fully remote work arrangement.
• Opportunity to shape the metallurgical future of a major mining enterprise.
• Access to cutting‑edge research and development resources.