The Senior Operations Manager – Mining is responsible for leading, optimizing, and overseeing end-to-end mining operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across mine planning, production, maintenance, logistics, and compliance, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production
- Lead daily mining operations including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and processing activities.
- Ensure production targets are achieved in line with mine plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Optimize operational efficiency, equipment utilization, and workforce productivity.
- Coordinate with geology, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations.
Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure strict compliance with HSE policies, regulations, and industry standards.
- Ensure all operations comply with local mining laws, environmental regulations, and sustainability requirements.
- Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to short- and long-term mine planning and operational strategies.
- Identify and implement process improvements, cost-reduction initiatives, and productivity enhancements.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives using best-practice mining methodologies.
People Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop operations teams, supervisors, and contractors.
- Ensure effective manpower planning, performance management, and skills development.
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative work culture.
Budgeting & Cost Control
- Prepare and manage operational budgets and forecasts.
- Monitor operating costs and implement controls to meet financial targets.
- Ensure effective contractor management and procurement coordination.
Stakeholder Management
- Liaise with internal departments, contractors, regulators, and community stakeholders.
- Provide regular operational performance reports to senior management and the board.
Key Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 10–15 years of experience in mining operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or managerial role.
- Proven experience in open-pit and/or underground mining operations.
- Strong background in large-scale production environments and asset-intensive operations.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
- In-depth knowledge of mining operations, equipment, and mine planning.
- Excellent understanding of HSE, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cost-control skills.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Production output vs. plan
- Safety performance (LTIFR, TRIFR)
- Operational cost efficiency
- Equipment availability and utilization
- Team performance and engagement
