Mine Manager; opencast​/Head of Mining Operations

Overview

An established mining operation is seeking a seasoned General Manager:
Mining (Opencast) to take full accountability for end-to-end mining operations. This executive-level role will oversee Production, Engineering and Mineral Resource Management (MRM), ensuring sustainable operations, optimised resource utilisation, financial performance and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will drive strategic alignment, operational excellence, cost efficiency and safety performance across the entire mining value chain.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Align departmental strategies (Production, Engineering, MRM) to overall organisational objectives.
• Approve and drive operational plans to achieve production and business targets.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Contribute to policy development and long-term operational strategy.

Operational & Production Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive open cast mining plans.
• Optimise load and haul operations to achieve production tonnage targets.
• Identify and implement new technologies to improve productivity and safety.
• Continuously evaluate operational performance and cost efficiency.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational and long-term budgets.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse mining data and production trends to forecast funding requirements.
• Ensure compliance with financial governance and supply chain policies.

Compliance, Risk & Safety

• Ensure adherence to all mining legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Drive HSE compliance and a strong safety culture across operations.
• Manage enterprise risk within mining operations.
• Implement governance frameworks to mitigate operational exposure.

People & Stakeholder Management

• Lead senior management teams across Production, Engineering and MRM.
• Drive performance management, KPIs and high-performance culture.
• Engage with unions, regulatory bodies and external stakeholders.
• Foster collaborative labour and community relations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Mining / Geology / Engineering preferred).
• Mine Manager’s Certificate (essential).
• Open cast blasting ticket (essential).
• Blasting Engineering qualification (open pit focus).
• Membership of relevant Mine Manager affiliations advantageous.

Experience:

• 15–20 years’ open cast mining experience.
• 6–8 years in senior mining leadership.
• Strong exposure to operational, business and financial management.
• Experience with MS Dynamics F&O and MS Power BI reporting tools.

Other Requirements:

• Medically fit.

To apply, email your CV to - michel