Senior Operations Manager - Mining Processing

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

About the Role

Our client, a significant force in the mining sector , is seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to lead their extensive mineral processing facilities located in Soweto, Gauteng . This executive role is responsible for the overall management, efficiency, safety, and profitability of the processing operations. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives. We are looking for a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of mineral processing, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and proven experience in managing large teams and complex operations. This is a critical leadership position offering the opportunity to make a substantial impact within a major mining organization in the heart of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and overall management of mineral processing plant operations. Ensure all operations meet or exceed production targets, quality standards, and cost-efficiency objectives. Develop and implement operational strategies for continuous improvement, efficiency gains, and technological advancements. Oversee the management of maintenance, reliability, and capital projects within the processing division. Foster and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations. Manage departmental budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of plant managers, metallurgists, engineers, and operational staff. Collaborate with other departments, including mining, geology, and supply chain, to ensure seamless integration. Oversee the implementation of best practices in process control, automation, and data analytics. Represent the company in interactions with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and community representatives in the Soweto area. Drive innovation and identify opportunities for enhancing processing capabilities and product value.

Requirements

BSc or BEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is advantageous. A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operational management within the mining and metals processing industry , with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. Extensive knowledge of various mineral processing techniques and technologies. Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale processing plants and complex operations. Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and cost control. Demonstrated success in leading and developing multidisciplinary teams. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities. A strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices. Professional registration with relevant bodies (e.g., SAIMM, ECSA) is highly desirable. Previous experience managing operations in the Gauteng region is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a comprehensive medical aid scheme, a lucrative bonus structure tied to performance, and a substantial retirement fund. This role provides exceptional opportunities for strategic leadership, career growth, and significant impact within a leading mining organization. The position is based in Soweto , offering a strategic location within the economic heartland. The company is dedicated to fostering a world-class safety culture, promoting sustainability, and investing in employee development and well-being.