PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Mine Manager, the Technical Services Manager is responsible to lead the Technical Services department through strategic mine design, modelling and planning from mine to mill. Managing all mining technical disciplines such as Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, Mine Planning Engineering, Production Engineering and Survey for the optimized and effective implementation of mine design, planning, analysis and reporting to maximize the profitable extraction of resources. This includes the development and implementation of technical support strategies and initiatives that ensure the department meets its short, medium and long term mine objectives and compliance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Drill & Blast Design & Optimisation

• Develop and issue drill and blast designs for development headings, slot raises and production stopes.
• Optimise burden, spacing, charging and timing parameters to achieve production targets while minimising dilution and overbreak.
• Ensure blast designs are aligned with geotechnical recommendations, approved stope sequencing and operational constraints.
• Conduct post-blast analysis and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Accountabilities

• Establish and maintain the Technical Services program including developing the systems, structures and procedures through the Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, Mine Planning Engineering, Production Engineering and Survey areas of the unit.
• Develop the department’s functional work plans and schedules from a strategic perspective with a monthly, quarterly and annual focus to ensure mine targets are achieved.
• Managing the Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, Mine Planning Engineering, Production Engineering and Survey activities to ensure the mining department deliverables are achieved.
• Overseeing and providing technical expertise in regard to mine design, mine engineering and economical modelling.
• Develop Life of Mine Designs and Plans to support the development and exploitation of the resource.
• Implement control procedures to maximize grade from the mining operations.
• Driving a culture of quality and efficiency within the department focused on maximizing the resource.

Cost Management & Reporting

• Manage the business unit’s budget preparation process including monitoring and control of the budget to ensure.
• compliance with budget and forecasts highlighting any variances to management.
• Accountable for approval of purchases and expenditure within delegated limits of authority.
• Ensure that all reporting is in accordance with required standard and is completed and distributed on time.
• Monitor and control key drivers and costs through interrogation of financial reports on a weekly and monthly basis. Report and provide detailed submissions on variance to management and identify improvement opportunities.

Compliance / Quality Control

• Ensure personnel have the appropriate equipment, licenses, skills, induction and training to safely undertake their tasks.
• Promote and adhere to appropriate internal methodologies, policies, procedures and standards.
• Consistently maintain a high quality of work across all allocated functions.
• Interpret and implement legislation, government standards and agreements.
• Provide input/informed commentary, improvement opportunities and areas of risk to management.
• Be accountable for the quality of work output from the unit/department.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as well as Company Policy, Standards, and Procedures through training and development of staff and promoting by example.
• Implement and monitor quality assurance programs to ensure accurate records are maintained.
• Contribute to ongoing mine improvements by analysing existing processes and offering suggestions for enhancements.

Staff Development:

• Provide management, guidance, coaching and technical assistance and support to the team.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the team to identify areas requiring improvement and implement training and coaching measures to ensure employees receive sufficient training enabling them to perform their duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Promote and develop the skills of subordinates through the transfer of knowledge and skill development through on-the- job training programs.
• Conduct formal career development discussions with employees and identify development opportunities and programs that assist with defining future career progression possibilities.
• Encourage and facilitate effective and supportive communication between all team members and related departments.

Safety Management:

• Demonstrate personal commitment in regard to safety and environmental and Social Responsibility practices.
• Ensure every person within team is fit for work.
• Ensure that agreed procedures, safeguards and controls are applied and used.
• Ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with Company standards and procedures.
• Ensure hazard management plans are observed.
• Keep statutory and internal reporting as required.
• Active participation to the Health & Safety Committee.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Education:

• BSc Degree in Mine Engineering, advanced degree preferred.

Relevant experience:

• Minimum 8-12 years’ experience in Technical Services within mine operations in a similar role.
• Minimum 5 years management experience, including staff supervision, budget management, strategic planning and evaluation within mine geology, geotechnical, hydrogeology, mine engineering and survey roles.
• Extensive knowledge of gold operations in developing countries is essential.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of mine planning & design, geotechnical, hydrogeology, mine engineering and survey functions/techniques in open pit operations.
• Excellent understanding of the mining industry, industry practices, regulations and technical advancements.
• A proven history in delivering results to schedule and budget while having demonstrated a proactive commitment to a safe working environment.
• Experience of working effectively in a senior management team environment.
• Experience working in multicultural environment.
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation and build effective relationships and networks.
• Possesses strong training and mentoring skills with the ability to develop an effective team.
• Demonstrates strong conceptual skills and be capable of developing lateral and practical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond to a changing work environment.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at the same time.
• A reputation for integrity and ethics.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

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