Processing Lead – Plant Delivery (Project Delivery / EPC / Construction / Commissioning & Ramp-Up / Mineral Processing / Metallurgy / Contracts & Tendering / Project Management / PMP / Copper / Gold / Expansion Project) – Central Africa

Reference Number: CV185

Job Description:

We are partnering with a major international mining group to appoint a Processing Lead to deliver the new processing plant at the heart of a large copper expansion project in Central Africa. Reporting to the Processing Manager and leading a team of five to six, you will own the end-to-end delivery of the plant, from the project execution plan through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and ramp-up to final handover to operations, on time, within budget and to specification. This is a delivery leadership role for someone who has built and commissioned processing plants on major international projects and can hold scope, cost and schedule while managing contractors, risk and stakeholders on the ground. On completion of the plant, the role transitions to operations or to the next phase of the expansion project.

Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of the new processing plant, executing in accordance with the approved scope, budget and schedule.
• Develop and implement the Project Execution Plan (PEP) across engineering, procurement and logistics, construction, risk management, document control and QA/QC.
• Manage the processing plant budget, strictly controlling expenditure and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain a detailed project schedule, monitoring key deliverables and milestones to ensure timely completion.
• Lead tendering and award of major equipment and construction contracts, and oversee contractor performance and variations.
• Own and maintain the processing plant risk register, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate on-site construction resources, ensuring efficient workflow and strict adherence to safety standards.
• Secure the necessary permits, licences and statutory approvals, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
• Organise and oversee plant commissioning, ramp-up and final handover to operations, coordinating operational readiness.
• Build and lead a cohesive team, driving skills transfer and performance against individual and functional targets.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• A degree in a relevant engineering or technical discipline; a Master’s and a PMP (or equivalent project-management certification) are advantageous.
• 15+ years across multiple international industrial and processing projects, with strong EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) management.
• Experience as Engineering, Study or Project Manager on at least three international copper projects; copper or gold processing experience preferred.
• A proven track record delivering processing plants through construction, commissioning, ramp-up and handover to operations.
• Strong commercial, contracts and tendering acumen, with disciplined schedule, cost and risk management.
• The ability to build and lead high-performing, multicultural teams on a remote site.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, including with government and regulatory bodies.
• Fluent English is essential; Mandarin/Chinese is advantageous given the ownership and project environment.
• A valid international driving licence.

Benefits and Contractual information:

• Rotational FIFO roster, set by point of hire (typically 6 weeks on / 2–3 weeks off for South African and other international hires)
• Attractive USD-denominated salary, plus performance bonus
• Full expatriate benefits package
• Fixed-term contract of up to 3 years

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Christo van der Ham

Operations Manager

CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.