Job purpose: 

• To manage project execution in accordance with the stipulations and provisions of the commercial contract. Ensure that all KPI deliverables and performance objectives are met and that all sub-departmental activities are performed efficiently and within approved budgets.
• Lead the project team to plan, coordinate and direct all activities towards ensuring optimization of production and equipment availability & utilization, whilst adhering to applicable SOP’s and the provisions of the MHSA to establish a strong safety culture.
• Act as liaison with Client representatives to maintain good professional relationships and a positive Company image.

Key performance areas:

Delivery of Opencast Mining services

•  Manage all Production and Drill & Blast activities in conjunction with the Production manager allocated team to ensure that contractual targets are achieved and maintained.
•  Participate in mine planning and ensure that all activities are conducted in the designated mining areas, according to plan.
•  Address all mining related challenges and formulate plans for improvement.
•  Ensure that floor levels are maintained and ensure that Equipment is not exposed to damage.
•  Liaise with Blasting Service Provider and the Client in terms of all blasting activities and Blasting Plan. Assess powder factors and investigate/monitor blasting fragmentation; implement plans and techniques to improve blasting results.
•  Manage mining processes and activities according to standard operating procedures and legal requirements.
•  Ensure that mining equipment allocation and personnel activities are properly coordinated.
•  Optimize equipment (TMM) utilization to maximize output and minimize expenditure. Frequent cycle time studies to be performed.
•  Ensure that progress related to drilling meters and production volumes achieved vs. targetsare reported by Line managers/supervisors at stipulated time intervals (per hour & per shift, etc.)
•  Effectively communicate with all relevant role players to ensure optimized production.
•  Implement agreed action and/or catch-up production plans if deviation from target occursand ensure that revised targets are met within agreed timeframes.

Create a Safe and Healthy Work Environment

•  Act as custodian and ensure that all work is performed in accordance with SHE standards, Legislation and applicable SOP’s.
•  Ensure that all legal appointments (MHSA) are timeously in place and duly authorized.
•  Liaise with the Safety Manager to monitor Safety trends and statistics. Implement remedial plans to address all areas of concern.
•  Participate in VFL’s and Safety/wellness campaigns to establish a strong safe work culture and lead by example.
•  Participate in audits and inspections to ensure that all safety instructions are properly communicated and that all incidents or risks are promptly and properly reported as per set procedures.
•  Ensure that proper pre-blast line up meetings are conducted, blasting plans communicated and all areas evacuated prior to blasting.
•  Ensure that emergency procedures are in place and adhered to.
•  All appropriate work instructions and standards are read, signed off and adhered to.
•  Safety meetings are scheduled and attended as per instruction.
•  Allocated area is always clean and good housekeeping practices are applied to ensure a hazard free environment.
•  HIRA/Mini HIRA/ SLAM/ JRA/ VFL/ PTO always applied correctly, and any safety and health related issues are reported.
•  Personal protective equipment (PPE) is issued, used and maintained according to safety regulations and PPE budget.

Engineering management (Earthmoving Equipment/TMM)

•  Ensure that the Engineering dept is well managed and that all machinery is properly maintained.
•  Ensure that all equipment is duly logged on the asset management system and that the system is accurately maintained.
•  Monitor Equipment availability and MTBF/ MTTR rates; to meet or exceed set targets. (85% availability to be maintained)
•  Provide support to the Engineering manager and team to address all business risks and/or areas of concern.
•  Monitor legal & safety compliance within engineering Department (ensure safe work procedures are adhered to).
•  Ensure that all equipment malfunctions or damages are timeously reported to the Maintenance team.

Commercial, Social and Client Relationships

•  Study commercial contract document and variations/ addendums. Ensure compliance with contractual stipulations and obligations. Escalate all contractual matters of importance to top management for discussion and/or resolution.
•  Frequent engagement with Client representatives to ensure sound professional working relationship.
•  Attend all applicable scheduled daily/weekly and Ad hoc meetings with Client Representatives and present management reports.
•  Ensure that a positive, professional image of the Company is portrayed at all times.
•  Manage sub-contractors and ensure that service level agreements are adhered to.
•  Establish good relationships with community stakeholders, drive community projects and participate in events.

Ensure effective Communication on Site:

•  Schedule and conduct fixed HOD meetings to ensure alignment with organizational goals and communicate project performance.
•  Proactively inform top management of any notable deviations regarding target achievement and financial or other anticipated risks; immediately escalate any matter of importance that requires higher level assistance or intervention.
•  Conduct frequent caucus meetings to keep employees informed of performance (actual vs target) and to facilitate proper communication on any related matter.
•  Distribute and manage communication in accordance with TAU Mining line communication principles.
•  Lead by example and encourage all employees to observe and exhibit TAU Mining company values and principles.

Human Resources Responsibilities (To be performed in conjunction with the HR Dept & HOD’s)

•  Provide Leadership and direction to subordinates.
•  Ensure that all HR/IR related policies are implemented/ communicated and observed.
•  Monitor compliance with Labour Legislation.
•  Ensure that Employee representative committee is established and that monthly meetings are held.
•  Track and address all issued raised timeously.
•  Ensure that all Departments are adequately staffed at all times as per approved project complement. 
• Liaise with HR Department to have all vacancies timeously filled and attend interviews for senior site-based positions.
•  Set, communicate and ensure that subordinates have job descriptions with KPA’s as applicable and that set KPA’s are achieved. Implement remedial action where necessary.
•  Act as mentor and advisor to subordinates, identify and motivate relevant training and development initiatives, perform succession planning.
•  Ensure that time & attendance and sick leave is properly managed. Leave rosters must be implemented and properly managed.
•  Ensure that overtime is planned, properly managed and pre-approved as per overtime procedure.
•  Monitor time spent by subordinates on the mine and ensure compliance with legal attendance parameters.
•  Manage discipline and initiate disciplinary action in line with applicable disciplinaryprocedures, where required.

 Finance, budgeting and reporting

•  Compile annual budgets for each Dept in conjunction with respective HOD’s and present to top management for approval.
•  Monitor and manage expenditure compared to budget in conjunction with the Finance Dept.
•  Implement remedial measures to reduce costs/ avoid deviation from budget or overexpenditure.
•  Manage survey and monthly project certificate; ensure that all documentation including KPI’s reports are timeously submitted to the client to process payment.
•  Track payment compared to invoices issued to ensure that all payments are timeously received.
•  Ensure proper Stock management and that all Procurement and Stores procedures are adhered to.
•  Ensure profitable execution of the project as per agreed margins.
•  Allocate resources tactically and efficiently to comply with time, quality, cost and fit for purpose requirements. Eliminate non-value adding activities.
•  Compile and present accurate monthly production and/or project reports.
•  Ensure that all required reports (all Departments) are submitted by stipulated/ established deadlines; internal and external (as per client requirements).
•  Identify and implement approved continuous improvement initiatives and measures to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance.

Minimum Job requirements:

•  Mining Degree or National Diploma in Mining Engineering (Preferred) with at least 8-10 years related Opencast Mining experience, of which at least 3-5 years must be in similar level role carrying applicable legal appointment.
•  Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competence (Preferred)
•  Grade 12
•  Surface / Opencast blasting certificate.
•  Competency A training
•  Code EB Driver’s license
•  Clean criminal record
•  Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Training (HIRAC)
•  Must have successfully completed Strata Control 2 course.

Knowledge, Attitude, Skills & Abilities:

•  Comprehensive knowledge of the Mine Health and Safety Act as well as applicable Labour Laws (LRA, BCEA, etc.)
•  Employee Relations skills and proven ability to deal with organized labour.
•  Excellent knowledge of opencast mining, mine planning, mining techniques and utilization of heavy earthmoving equipment.
•  Excellent communication skills, verbal and written in English.
•  High level of computer literacy (MS Office) with the ability to generate and present accurate reports.
•  Management & leadership skills.
•  Ability to motivate teams and achieve results.
•  Analytical thinking.
•  Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
•  Assertive & performance driven.
•  Willing to work long hours.
•  Ability to function under pressure.

Closing date: 20 March 2024