Job Ref #: MFC2026/11OM
Industry: Mining
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To lead the production and maintenance teams in the safe and cost-effective execution of all production and maintenance processes, ensuring high-quality finished products.

BALANCED SCORECARD PILLARS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY

• Identify and assess level of baseline- and issue-based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to the business, financial and legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.)
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Department through effective use of the Toolbox
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to analyse, identify trends, initiate, mitigate, investigate and report SHEQ status

PEOPLE 

Manage the Department:

• Ensure an enabling climate/culture
• Manage labour stability by minimising labour turnover
  • Labour complement in line with budget
  • Achieve HDSA/Female targets for the Department
• Manage performance against set targets and competencies
  • Ensure IDP’s are linked to performance results and implemented as per plan
• Conduct career discussions and implement actions with all identified talent (quarterly)
• Ensure discipline is maintained (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Conduct recruitment interviews

CUSTOMERS 

• Maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders
• Ensure customer and supplier satisfaction

BUSINESS PROCESSES 

• Manage the production process
• Document and review the overall production and maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan
• Perform planned Visible Field Audits
• Set and achieve the production budget
• Set and achieve production quality
• Ensure strict adherence to production work management principles to obtain maximum plant throughput
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant production standards and specifications
• Ensure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles (percent planned work, adherence to schedule, number of breakdowns, number of proactive requests) to obtain maximum plant availability at minimum maintenance cost per unit produced
• Manage the engineering assets to ensure that they produce at their designed capacity and are periodically refurbished to their original condition to ensure optimal life
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant engineering standards and specifications
• Periodically audit the asset and documentation to obtain maximum standardisation of spares and new plant installations on the site
• Develop the capability of the production and maintenance organisation site-wide 

GROWTH

• Manage Continuous Improvement through Operational Excellence
• Manage improvement projects, including the SAP and MES Change Management initiatives as appropriate

SHAREHOLDER VALUE

• Manage the Departmental budget

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• B.Eng./BSc. Degree or National Diploma (Chemical or Metallurgical)
• 8 years’ relevant experience gained in pyro-metallurgical operations (BOF, Steel Plant, DC furnaces, Sub Arc Furnaces) preferably 3 years’ managerial experience

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A recognised managerial qualification (MTIM, MDP, EDP or MBA)

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: 

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation & Implementation
• Systematic Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Change Leadership
• Financial & Entrepreneurial Insight
• Adhering to Values

WORKPLACE COMPETENCIES:

Job Skills:

• Financial acumen
• Project management
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work under extreme pressure and to prioritize effectively
• Ability to understand processes and problems on an operational as well as strategic level
• Ability to manage costs and budget
• Ability to understand departmental influence on the rest of the business
• Production, maintenance and operational management
• SHEQ risk identification, mitigation and compliance management
• Strategic planning, organising, execution and performance management
• Asset, budget and cost management
• Systematic problem solving, decision-making and continuous improvement
• People leadership, coaching, performance and talent management
• Stakeholder, customer, supplier and relationship management
• Effective use of operational, business and information systems
• Communication, change leadership and implementation

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate an understanding of an Operation Manager’ competencies within MFC plant
• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of pyrometallurgical processes
• Basic engineering or technical understanding
• Knowledge of relevant HR and Labour Relations Acts and Regulations
• Knowledge of relevant HSE Acts, Regulations and Standards
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, cost management and business performance
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and systematic problem-solving principles

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Overtime
• Standby
• Travel
• Carry a legal appointment

Samancor Chrome shall apply Employment Equity Principles as set out in the Company's Employment Equity Policy. Samancor Chrome is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals.

CLOSING DATE: 12 October 2026