Senior Community Engagement Manager - Mining Projects

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Community Engagement Manager to lead stakeholder relations for mining projects in Centurion, Gauteng. The role focuses on building positive community relations, governance with government bodies, and stakeholder engagement strategy across multiple sites.

You will oversee social impact assessments, mitigation planning, and reporting to senior management, while mentoring junior officers and ensuring alignment with CSR objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in community engagement or social performance, preferably in mining.
• Strong knowledge of social impact assessments and community development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement plans aligned with project objectives and CSR goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local government, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Lead community consultations, meetings, and forums to address concerns and gather feedback.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Social Sciences/Development Studies/Communications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining exploration and development company, is seeking an experienced Senior Community Engagement Manager to lead stakeholder relations for their projects in the Centurion, Gauteng area. This role is vital for building and maintaining positive relationships with local communities, government bodies, and other stakeholders affected by mining operations. You will be responsible for developing and implementing effective community engagement strategies, managing social impact assessments, and ensuring alignment with corporate social responsibility objectives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in stakeholder management, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the social and economic dynamics of mining-affected communities. This is a key position requiring strong leadership and a commitment to sustainable development practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive community engagement plans and strategies in alignment with project objectives and corporate social responsibility goals.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with community leaders, local government officials, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage and facilitate community consultations, meetings, and forums to address concerns and gather feedback.
• Oversee social impact assessments and contribute to the development of mitigation and benefit-sharing plans.
• Ensure effective communication of project information, progress, and potential impacts to all relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor community sentiment and proactively address potential conflicts or grievances.
• Collaborate with internal teams (legal, environmental, operations) to ensure community commitments are met.
• Prepare regular reports on community engagement activities, stakeholder feedback, and social performance for senior management.
• Mentor and guide junior community relations officers and team members.
• Stay informed about relevant social legislation, policy developments, and best practices in stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, or social performance management, preferably within the mining or resources sector.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful community engagement strategies.
• Excellent understanding of social impact assessment processes and community development principles.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency in report writing and presentation.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing office-based strategic work with site visits.
• Knowledge of the South African socio-political and regulatory landscape is essential.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in areas such as stakeholder management and social impact assessment are available.
• This role offers a significant opportunity to shape the social license to operate for important mining projects.
• The position is based in Centurion, Gauteng, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for both strategic office work and essential site engagement.
• Join a company committed to responsible resource development and making a positive impact in the communities where it operates.