Senior Exploration Manager

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Exploration Manager in Paarl, Western Cape, to lead exploration initiatives. The role covers the full exploration cycle, from grassroots to drill program design, with a focus on strategic growth and responsible exploration.

The successful candidate will manage teams of geologists, coordinate budgets and external consultants, and report progress to senior management, while staying current with technologies and industry trends. Hybrid work arrangement encouraged.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or related Earth Science.
• 10+ years of mineral exploration experience with management roles.
• Proven track record of discoveries or advancing mineral projects.
• Strong knowledge of exploration techniques across commodities and settings.
• Leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience with project finance, budgeting, and resource management.
• Proficiency in geological software, GIS, and data interpretation tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel for site visits.
• Based in or relocate to Paarl, Western Cape, ZA, hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute exploration strategies to identify new deposits.
• Manage full exploration cycle from regional reconnaissance to drill program design.
• Oversee exploration budgets and allocate resources.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of exploration geologists.
• Evaluate exploration opportunities, conduct due diligence, and assess viability.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental standards in exploration activities.
• Collaborate with senior management and stakeholders to report on progress.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, partners, and the local community.
• Stay abreast of latest exploration technologies, methodologies and industry trends.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and summaries for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

GIS

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geology or related Earth Science

Tools

Geological software

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding mining and exploration company, is actively seeking a strategic and accomplished Senior Exploration Manager to lead their exploration initiatives from their offices in **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA**. This senior leadership position is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and progression of new exploration projects, ultimately contributing to Our client's portfolio growth. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the exploration cycle, from grassroots exploration to advanced target definition, working closely with geological, geochemical, and geophysical teams. Our client is committed to responsible exploration and the adoption of innovative techniques. This role requires a visionary leader with a proven track record of successful discoveries, strong project management skills, and the ability to manage budgets and external consultants effectively. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the exploration strategy and driving the discovery of significant mineral resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive exploration strategies and programs to identify new mineral deposits.
• Manage the full exploration cycle, from regional reconnaissance to detailed target generation and drill program design.
• Oversee and manage exploration budgets and resource allocation for projects.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of exploration geologists and related professionals.
• Evaluate exploration opportunities, conduct due diligence, and assess project viability.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and community relations standards in exploration activities.
• Collaborate with senior management and stakeholders to report on exploration progress and strategy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, partners, and the local community.
• Stay abreast of the latest exploration technologies, methodologies, and industry trends.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geology or a related Earth Science field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a significant portion in management roles.
• A proven track record of successfully discovering or significantly advancing mineral projects.
• Extensive knowledge of exploration techniques across various commodities and geological settings.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of project finance, budgeting, and resource management.
• Proficiency in geological software, GIS, and data interpretation tools.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel as required for project reviews and site visits.
• Based in or willing to relocate to **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA**, and work in a hybrid capacity.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a substantial performance-based bonus, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and stock options. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and leadership within the exploration sector. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of Our client's discoveries and have access to advanced exploration technologies and methodologies. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and ethical conduct. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring crucial strategic oversight and team engagement. We are committed to the development and well-being of our employees. This is a unique opportunity to lead exploration efforts for a growing company in a strategically important region.