Job Description

We're working confidentially with a major mining operation seeking a Head of Mining to take full operational and strategic ownership of site-based mining activities. This is a senior expatriate role suited to an experienced leader who can balance safety, production delivery, cost discipline, and people development in a complex operating context.
About the Organisation
Our client is a privately backed, multi-asset mining business operating in emerging markets. Their assets are contractor-heavy, technically demanding, and located in remote jurisdictions where operational discipline, leadership presence, and stakeholder awareness are critical to success.
The organisation values:

• decisive leadership over bureaucracy
• safety-driven performance
• pragmatic execution of mine plans
• long-term asset value rather than short-term volume

This is not a corporate desk role - it is a hands-on site leadership position with real accountability.
The Role
As Head of Mining, you will be accountable for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of all mining activities across the operation.
You'll translate long-term mine plans into executable outcomes, manage large contractor workforces, and ensure that production targets are achieved without compromising safety, standards, or community relationships.
You will operate as a key member of the site leadership team and act as the senior authority for all mining-related decisions.
Key Accountabilities:
Safety, Health & Environment

• Lead a visible, non-negotiable zero-harm safety culture
• Ensure compliance with site, national, and international HSE standards
• Own incident response, investigations, and corrective actions

Mining Operations & Production

• Direct all open-pit mining activities (drill & blast, load & haul, grade control)
• Deliver daily, weekly, and monthly production plans
• Optimise equipment utilisation, sequencing, and contractor performance

Technical & Strategic Execution

• Convert life-of-mine strategies into practical operating plans
• Work closely with geology, processing, and technical services teams
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, cost, and reliability

People & Leadership

• Lead a diverse expatriate and national workforce
• Build capability, succession, and accountability at all levels
• Set clear performance expectations and behavioural standards

Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage large-scale mining contractors against safety, cost, and delivery KPIs
• Interface effectively with internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Maintain constructive relationships with local communities and authorities

Financial Accountability

• Own the mining operating budget
• Drive cost optimisation without eroding safety or asset integrity
• Forecast, track, and manage operational variances

Background & Experience:

• Degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline
• 15-20+ years' experience in open-pit mining operations
• Demonstrated success leading large contractor-based operations
• Strong background in mine execution, cost control, and operational risk
• Experience working in remote or developing jurisdictions
• Prior Africa experience advantageous but not essential
• Postgraduate management qualification (MBA or similar) beneficial

Personal Attributes:

• Calm, decisive leader under pressure
• Safety-driven with strong operational instincts
• Commercially aware and cost disciplined
• Resilient, adaptable, and culturally astute
• Comfortable living and leading in isolated environments

Skills Required