Director – Mining Operations; Copper Mining Business Unit - Zambia

Industry: Copper Mining | Underground Mining | Mining Operations Leadership

Introduction

Our client, a major copper mining operation based in Zambia, is seeking to appoint an accomplished Director – Mining Operations to lead one of its core Copper Mining Integrated Business Units (IBU). This executive leadership role carries full accountability for production ramp-up, operational performance, safety, capital execution, and Profit & Loss outcomes within a large-scale contractor-led mining environment.

Operating under an End-to-End Business Partner mining model, the successful candidate will define and execute the mining strategy to deliver consistent ore supply, achieve production targets of 10 KT per month MIC, and drive sustainable productivity improvements while safeguarding long-term ore body value. The role plays a critical part in strengthening operational governance, improving contractor performance, and supporting the organisation’s integrated copper value chain and long-term growth ambitions.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a senior mining executive with deep copper mining experience, strong commercial acumen, and a proven record of operational transformation and performance delivery in complex mining environments.

Role Purpose

To lead the Copper Mining Business Unit as Business Head, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-efficient mining operations while delivering production growth, operational excellence, and sustainable financial performance aligned to strategic objectives.

Principal Accountabilities

Business Leadership & Financial Performance

• Own full P&L accountability including revenue, cost performance, EBITDA, and capital efficiency
• Execute mining strategy to consistently achieve 10 KT/month MIC production
• Drive unit cost reduction, productivity improvement, and operational efficiency
• Establish strong financial governance and performance management frameworks

Mining Strategy & Production Delivery

• Define and execute short- and long-term mine plans aligned with growth objectives
• Deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective ore production
• Improve development rates, asset utilisation, and operational planning effectiveness
• Optimise mining performance through continuous improvement initiatives

End-to-End Business Partner Governance

• Lead large-scale contractor-led mining operations through KPI-driven accountability
• Drive safety, productivity, and cost transparency across business partners
• Ensure strong commercial governance, contract management, and risk mitigation

Benchmarking & Transformation

• Benchmark operations against global mining best practices
• Implement operational excellence programmes and technology improvements
• Drive mining performance transformation initiatives

Capital Development & Asset Value

• Lead capital planning for mine development and supporting infrastructure
• Ensure disciplined capital execution and return on investment delivery
• Protect and enhance long-term ore body value

Safety, ESG & Stakeholder Leadership

• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and operational risk management
• Ensure regulatory compliance and ESG alignment
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, communities, and stakeholders

People & Leadership Capability

• Build leadership capability and succession depth
• Embed a high-performance culture and operational accountability
• Strengthen governance and leadership effectiveness across mining teams

Qualifications

• Degree in Mining Engineering (Essential)
• MBA or postgraduate business qualification (Advantageous)

Experience Required

• Minimum 15+ years’ experience in large-scale copper mining operations
• 8–10 years’ experience in senior operational or business leadership roles
• Proven experience in mining turnaround, ramp-up, or scale-up environments
• Experience managing large outsourced or contractor-operated mining operations
• Demonstrated success in cost optimisation and operational performance improvement
• Strong and visible safety leadership track record

Key Competencies

• Strategic and commercial leadership
• Mining operational excellence
• Contractor and business partner governance
• Financial and capital management
• Production optimisation and cost control
• Change leadership and organisational transformation
• Stakeho…