Job Description

Purpose of Role

To develop short- and medium-term strategic plans, set goals and develop and drive an operational framework that seeks to ensure that the plant process operates effectively in order to safely produce products aligned to specified specifications. To monitor quality compliance in line with distribution requirements driven by market requirements, whilst also managing the quality and quantity of third-party raw material.

Role Context

Strategic Contribution

Co-develop and oversee the implementation of the organisational strategy by creating alignment between the organisational strategy and using the respective Departmental strategies as enablers of the vision within the Department, providing critical insights and exposure to the current state of the organisation to enhance the commercial position of Tharisa Minerals (TM). Position the Department as an enabler of the TM's organisational strategy, by taking a proactive role in steering Departmental activities aligned to the broader strategy, to aid the organisation in achieving its strategic objectives. Build and leverage efficiencies for the Process Department in a way that creates value for the organisation through the provision of strategies. Approve operational plans for the Process Department, driving positive action towards achieving Departmental goals. Maintain a keen awareness of the operating environment of TM and anticipate opportunities to grow the Department. Provide direct leadership and management of the site operations by ensuring site strategies are linked and aligned to TM's long-term strategy. Lead the execution of strategies by developing and implementing an operating model that seeks to enhance current operations practices and performance.

Compliance Risk and Safety

Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and drive the alignment of governance, risk and compliance frameworks in order to ensure adherence to regulations and policies. Consolidate the risk profile for the Process Department in order to manage critical risks and ensure feedback integration. Implement a work ethos across the department that is committed to safeguarding employee safety, health and wellbeing and take remedial actions where necessary to minimise incidents.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Drive the collection and utilisation of data and use insights and knowledge gained from high level reports to conduct abstract, conceptual and comparative analysis to influence continuous improvement. Provide periodic reports on performance against set plans and progress on long-term initiatives and use insights and feedback from the reports to realign operating plan and objectives appropriately.

Financial Management

Prepare, finalise and take ownership of the Department's annual budget by compiling and analysing the relevant information to ensure Return on Investment (ROI) for the business. Review and recommend changes to the annual Departmental financial budget to ensure financial budget and controls contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department and support the accomplishment of service delivery objectives. Monitor and manage Departmental spend, ensuring expenditure remains within budget and propose and implement corrective measures to rectify deviations to budgetary provisions, financial regulations, audit requirements and Departmental procedures. Approve budgeted operational expenditure, subject to the Procurement Policy, within levels of authority. Comply with all financial, Supply Chain Management (SCM) and other TM regulations and policies, by leading the right actions, to reduce financial risk in the Department. Formulate the annual operating and capital budgets in line with Tharisa Mineral's financial guidelines and business planning process to ensure a sound monitoring and control process. Drive the development and implementation of a requisite budget to ensure that the department's strategies are adequately budgeted for. Lead the implementation of effective financial control and management of costs in order to minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.

People Management

Engage in workforce planning initiatives for the Department, forecasting the skills required to meet business demands and driving upskilling initiatives to ensure the team remains competent and fit for purpose within their roles. Manage the entire value chain of human resources-related aspects (i.e., recruitment and selection, performance management, skill development etc.) of the Department, with support from HR, by identifying strong and poor performers as well as the requirement for additional head count, ensuring all requirements are met for optimal delivery within the team. Mentor, guide, and provide thought-leadership for the Department, sharing impactful knowledge and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement to drive the success of the team. Create a high-performance culture for the Department by providing critical and timely feedback (both positive and critical), enabling individuals to improve and work as effectively as possible to meet business goals. Create a positive organisational climate and culture to energise employees and minimise work disruption in order to optimise short term and long-term productivity. Develop clear human capability and accountability frameworks within the department in line with Tharisa Mineral's people management strategies. Lead the implementation of a performance management plan that optimises delivery and builds a culture of accountability, recognition and fairness across the process department.

Process and Technology

Drive the Plant's acceptance and integration of new technologies into current processes in order to enhance and maintain process improvement initiatives. Leverage technology to automate, integrate and digitise the workplace in order to improve processes and ensure production integrity.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure information, advice or opinions on relevant matters is made available and/or communicated with all relevant stakeholders, to manage expectations and timelines. Utilise opportunities presented to enhance the relationship between management, unions and employees, and implement processes to maximise a collaborative working relationship. Encourage, establish and maintain strategic relationships across multiple functional areas to enable collaboration, knowledge sharing and optimisation of the departments' processes and productivity.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Job specific experience:

Minimum of between 5 - 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years at a Senior Management level Experience/Exposure on MS Dynamics F&O, Reporting tools: MS Power BI

Inherent requirements

Must be medically fit

Closing date:

07 July 2025

Note: Preference will be given to female candidates