Monday 21 November 2011

Site Operations Manager, Mining


Job Description
Our client is a one of the top mining companies of its kind with numerous operating and developing mines around the globe. They are currently in development of one of the most advanced mines in the world and are in need of an Operations Manager with experience working in extreme cold climates, underground hard-rock mines, and mines with at least 300 people. The role is very challenging and the location is very remote, however, no land travel will be necessary as it is located next to the airport, with state-of-the-art facilities, single rooms, ideal health and safety environment, and a great rotation schedule. Because of the grade of the deposit and the challenge of the role, it will uplift your career twice as fast as working for most mines and offers growth potential to become a General Manager going forward.

Purpose of Role
To lead the execution of the long-term strategy for multi-discipline functions within a mine, including some or all of the following departments: mine, maintenance and technical service. To formulate short and intermediate term business plans; ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall strategy.


Key Areas of Responsibility & Duties
1.      To develop and execute long-term strategies to grow the mine operation and to ensure our client meets its strategic objectives
a.      Develops and executes short and intermediate term strategies thatsupport growth of the mine operation; ensures strategies are concretely linked to the organization’s long-term strategy
b.      Leads execution of strategies in the mine operation to enhance current mine operation practices and performance
c.      Sets priorities and allocates resources
d.      Upholds company’s commitment to the safety and health of its employees by leading by example, ensuring safe systems and procedures are in place and maintained through skilled and experienced professionals.
e.      Manages the human, technical and operational resources of the mine operation
f.       Formulates the annual operating and capital budgets for the mine operation consistent with our client’s established financial guidelines and business planning process
g.      Manages major commodity vendor contracts
h.      Participates in joint venture partner initiatives for global procurement to reduce materials cost
i.       Negotiates major contract issues relating to contract maintenance, operating material, etc.
j.       Participates with other senior staff to set production goals and policy for the mine and then directs activities to achieve those productions goals


2.      To develop and implement business practices and policies within the mine operation that align with the organization’s overall strategy
a.      Oversees the implementation of processes, policies, systems and practices within the mine operation thatmaximize operational efficiencies and competitive advantage
b.      Acts as a change agent and project sponsor for key initiatives; models organizational values, sets the cultural tone and prioritizes business goals
c.      Leads the Continuous Improvement program utilizing the tools necessary to meet the management operating philosophy


3.      To lead and manage a senior leadership team responsible for executing the mine operation strategy
a.       Identifies strategies and key performance goals and acts as an advisor to the direct reports; works to overcome challenges and barriers and minimize risk
b.      Sets performance targets and measures, monitors and manages overall performance of the function and direct reports
c.       Builds the capabilities of the team to enhance the mine operation’s ability to achieve the financial and operating strategy; hires appropriately, leverages the talents of the function and takes corrective action where necessary
d.      Ensures there is a comprehensive and effective succession management strategy in place for the function; identifies succession role requirements and high potential talent and actively develops key talent


Sustainability Expectations
 1. Develops policies and procedures relating to safety, the environment, and individual and organizational development.
2. Ensures that direct reports and respective work areas are in compliance with Health and Safety policies and regulations.
3. Ensures direct reports have the necessary training, skills, knowledge and tools to do their jobs safely.
4. Provides support to all areas on issues that jointly involve production and safety. Observes operations to detect violation of safety regulations and devises solutions to resolve shortcomings.
5. Compiles safety and production records. Assists in accident and incident investigations and ensures that recommendations are implemented by agreed upon dates.


Scope of Responsibility & Complexity
1. Work is performed within broad authority, receiving little direction. Problem resolution requires a substantial degree of resourcefulness to originate new methods of analysis and / or methods of operation.
2. Work is highly specialized in its complexity and involves a high degree of independent judgment to develop policies, processes, and systems in situations where considerable variation in interpretation is possible.
3. Ensures established results are achieved for the function involving a group of leaders or professionals.
4. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and co-ordination / alignment with the work of other functions / units within the organization.
5. Provides general direction to staff with major emphasis on the planning, development and implementation of programs and operations for a function.
6. Makes decisions and recommendations in the absence of formal guidelines or precedents.

Minimum Qualifications & Skill Requirements
a.     University degree in Mining Engineering
b.     Additional specialized education of up to 4 years including masters level degree or equivalent would be an asset
c.      Ability to speak Russian is a decided advantage but not a necessity
d.     Working experience with multinational teams
e.     Detailed knowledge of all phases of mining, and the integration of the mining, milling, technical services and maintenance functions
d.     Formal professional designation in appropriate area of expertise would be an asset
e.     More than 12 years of related work experience in underground hard rock mining operations
f.      Previous leadership experience at senior positions within the industry
h.     Experience leading teams within the mining industry            


Additional Qualifications & Skill Requirements               
j.      Ability to function within the qualifications outlined in the attached physical demands sheets
k.     Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management           


Competency Requirements       
1. Previous experience creating and communicating the vision for an operational or functional area that inspired and aligned employees;
2. Previous experience developing a strategic plan that positioned the business for growth and success within the industry
3. Previous experience leading overall business processes within an organization
4. Previous experience executing major initiatives such as a partnership, major change, new system implementation, or expansion
5. Ability to work independently and also as a member of the management team
6. Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills, and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management
7. Excellent administrative and organization skills
8. Good working knowledge and skill with a PC utilizing word processing and spreadsheet programs


Required Experience
1. 5 years of experience is necessary-operating background,(spent time in operations- underground; as a General Superintendent, Operations Superintendent, Engineering Superintendent, Chief Mine Engineer, or small mine General Manager) working knowledge of maintenance programs/systems, and full understanding of role of technical  services.
2. 10-12 years management experience with increasing responsibility;
3. Experience in either an underground and/or open pit mining operation.
4. Experience in Maintenance; to know where problems may occur; maintain equipment well, but give flexibility to operator; good working relationship toward a common goal.
5. Experience in Technical Services; be able to make sense of technical requirements versus operating needs-how to balance making those decisions
6. Must be able to lead a team; have done this before with success; inherent leadership ability; organize efforts of individual person and how each contributes and the impact of their performance on others; know their roles and how they fit and make good decisions to impact larger mine needs
7. Must be able to manage relationships within the organization and draw on the support and services of the regional and corporate support personnel
8. Be able to keep various parties informed, balance needs of different groups and still drive a project forward with economic and timeline realities; be a strong communicator and leader; have a good relationship with workforce;

Required Technical Knowledge
1. Understand the issues and conditions related to underground operations, and competency taking on challenges of a narrow-vein mine with strong underground rivers that cannot be pumped out but dealt with through the dewatering process
2. Understanding of permitting process and regulations specific to the state of operations
3. Must have good knowledge of life of mine planning, budgeting, equipment capacities, etc
4. Knowledge of all functions: operations, geology, engineering, environmental, safety, HR, accounting, purchasing and warehousing
5. Good presentation skills for employees, upper management, Board of Directors

Required Behavioral Competencies
1. Approachable style; no hierarchy; talk to miners, mechanics; be able to talk and be open to all levels of the organization-get more out of employees
2. Able to motivate the team; have people want to work for the position and the operation
3. Be able to show a direction forward; able to communicate a vision, progress, on a regular basis, convert those that don’t believe they receive very much information in advocate for the organization
4. Be able to reassure and provide connection of a team; be a motivator
5. Superintendents do not question decisions that are being made; they buy into the process and vision
6. Able to earn the respect of the employees and be able to treat employees with respect and dignity; people need to  feel valued, are part of decision  making and are part of the collaborative effort
7. Strong communicator; someone who listens; be open to all of the people;
8. Use sound judgment, be able to problem solve quickly, based on your experience and your intuition

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