Senior Operations Manager - Precious Metals Refinery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & life insurance

Significant bonus scheme

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for a world-class precious metals refining facility in Sandton, Gauteng. You will guide day-to-day refinery operations, set strategic priorities, and lead a diverse team of engineers and technicians to meet safety, quality, and production goals.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, budgeting, and process optimization, with on-site management and a focus on operational excellence in a high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related discipline. A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within refining, smelting, or complex chemical processing environment.
• Proven experience in managing large operational teams and budgets.
• In-depth understanding of precious metals refining processes (pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of safety management systems (ISO 45001) and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the precious metals refinery, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Manage and mentor a large team of operational staff, including engineers, supervisors, and technicians, fostering a culture of performance and safety.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations, including handling hazardous materials and waste management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and implement measures for resource optimization.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades to improve refinery performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement training programs for operational staff.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory bodies and external stakeholders regarding operational matters.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Budget management

Change/Process improvement

Strategic planning

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Master's degree or MBA (advantageous)

Tools

ISO 45001 knowledge

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a world-class facility involved in precious metals refining, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to lead its critical refining operations based in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the refining process, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and environmental compliance. You will manage production targets, optimize resource utilization, lead a diverse team of engineers and technicians, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering or metallurgy, coupled with extensive experience in managing complex industrial operations, preferably within the refining or chemical processing sectors. This role demands exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to operational excellence in the high-stakes precious metals industry within Gauteng . The position requires dedicated on-site management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the precious metals refinery, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Manage and mentor a large team of operational staff, including engineers, supervisors, and technicians, fostering a culture of performance and safety.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations, including handling hazardous materials and waste management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and implement measures for resource optimization.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades to improve refinery performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement training programs for operational staff.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory bodies and external stakeholders regarding operational matters.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related scientific/engineering discipline. A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a refining, smelting, or complex chemical processing environment.
• Proven experience in managing large operational teams and budgets.
• In-depth understanding of precious metals refining processes (e.g., pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001) and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, executive-level benefits package including comprehensive medical and life insurance, a substantial bonus scheme, relocation assistance, and excellent opportunities for career progression within a globally recognized organization. This role offers a challenging and impactful leadership opportunity in the prestigious Sandton financial and business district, contributing to a critical industry in Gauteng .