Senior Mineral Processing Operations Leader

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid scheme

Performance-based bonus

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager in Soweto, Gauteng to lead mineral processing facilities. The role drives production, safety, efficiency and profitability, overseeing maintenance, quality control and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates hold a BSc/BEng in metallurgy, chemical, or mining engineering, with 15+ years in operational management and at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. An MBA is advantageous and SAIMM/ECSA registration is desirable.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in operational management within the mining/metals processing sector.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Knowledge of mineral processing techniques and technologies.
• Strong financial acumen with budget management experience.
• Professional registration with SAIMM or ECSA desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of mineral processing plant operations.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and cost-efficiency objectives are met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement operational strategies for continuous improvement and efficiency gains.
• Oversee maintenance, reliability, and capital projects within the processing division.
• Foster a strong safety culture and regulatory / environmental compliance.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams of plant managers, metallurgists, engineers, and staff.
• Collaborate with mining, geology, and supply chain to ensure integration.
• Drive process control, automation, and data analytics improvements.
• Represent the company with regulators, stakeholders, and community groups in Soweto.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Safety culture

Education

BSc/BEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering

MBA (advantageous)

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager in Soweto, Gauteng to lead mineral processing facilities. The role drives production, safety, efficiency and profitability, overseeing maintenance, quality control and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates hold a BSc/BEng in metallurgy, chemical, or mining engineering, with 15+ years in operational management and at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. An MBA is advantageous and SAIMM/ECSA registration is desirable.