Head of Coal Mines Operations

Job Overview:
To provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership for all coal mining activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while maximizing production output and complying with regulatory and environmental standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute the overall coal mining operations strategy aligned with corporate objectives. Lead short-, medium-, and long-term mine planning and production scheduling. Drive operational excellence, productivity improvement, and cost optimization initiatives. Identify expansion opportunities, reserves optimization, and mine life extension strategies. Oversee end-to-end mining activities including drilling, blasting, excavation, hauling, and coal processing. Ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery timelines are consistently met. Optimize fleet performance, equipment utilization, and workforce productivity. Implement best practices in open-pit and/or underground mining operations. Promote a strong safety culture with a target of zero harm. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and mining regulations. Lead incident prevention, investigations, and corrective action programs. Oversee environmental management, mine rehabilitation, and sustainability initiatives. Develop and manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets for mining operations. Monitor cost per tonne, productivity metrics, and operational efficiency. Drive profitability through cost control, process efficiency, and yield improvement. Provide regular performance reports to executive leadership. Ensure all mining activities comply with national laws, licenses, and regulatory requirements. Engage with government agencies, regulators, and industry bodies. Maintain compliance documentation, reporting, and audit readiness. Build and maintain strong relationships with host communities and stakeholders. Oversee corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in mining areas. Manage community issues and ensure sustainable development practices. Lead and develop a high-performing team of mine managers, engineers, geologists, and supervisors. Implement leadership development, succession planning, and workforce capability building. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Drive adoption of mining technologies (automation, digital monitoring, fleet management systems). Use data analytics to improve decision-making and operational efficiency. Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across operations.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline (mandatory). MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification (preferred). 15–20+ years in mining operations, with at least 5–10 years in senior leadership roles. Proven experience in large-scale coal mining (open-pit and/or underground). Experience managing multi-location mining operations. Strong exposure to African or emerging market mining environments is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline (mandatory). MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification (preferred).

Experience:
15–20+ years in mining operations, with at least 5–10 years in senior leadership roles. Proven experience in large-scale coal mining (open-pit and/or underground). Experience managing multi-location mining operations. Strong exposure to African or emerging market mining environments is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
Primarily site-based with frequent travel across mining locations. Exposure to challenging terrain and operational conditions. May involve rotational or extended site stays.