Chief Metallurgist

Job Summary

The Chief Metallurgist leads the metallurgical and process engineering functions for the site, overseeing all aspects of mineral processing from design to operations. This senior role is responsible for optimizing plant performance, ensuring high standards of safety and environmental compliance, managing metallurgical accounting, and driving continuous improvement and innovation across operations.

Essential Functions

• Lead, manage, and develop the process and metallurgy teams, fostering a high-performance and safety-first culture.
• Provide technical leadership for mineral processing applications, including commissioning, and ongoing operational support.
• Oversee reagent management, metallurgical accounting, production forecasting, and budgetary activities for the processing plant.
• Develop, coordinate, and interpret laboratory test work, plant trials, and technical studies to optimize metallurgical performance.
• Guide troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives to maximize recovery, throughput, and product quality.
• Develop and execute strategies to optimize mineral processing for higher recovery and production efficiency.
• Oversee metallurgical test work and research initiatives to enhance processes and drive innovation.
• Monitor and analyze process data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and uncover improvement opportunities.
• Assess and implement new technologies, equipment, and methods to boost processing performance.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet production targets and maintain quality standards.
• Contribute to long-term planning and development of metallurgical projects to support company growth.
• Manage the assay lab and metallurgical technicians: set priorities, assign work, ensure staffing and training, conduct performance reviews, and mentor met techs.
• Prepare technical reports, operational budgets, procurement documents, and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and regulatory requirements at every stage of processing operations.
• Support environmental stewardship through water balance management, reagent optimization, and sustainable process practices.
• Lead and participate in audits, operational readiness reviews, and strategic planning processes for site development and process innovation.
• Serve as a technical resource, mentor, and spokesperson for metallurgical excellence across the operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; advanced credentials an asset.
• 5-8 years experience in mineral processing/metallurgy, with at least 5 years in a senior technical or supervisory role within a mining operation.
• Knowledge of all phases of gold processing, including grinding and agitated leaching with cyanide, carbon absorption and regeneration, and refining, as well as gravity and flotation concentration processes.
• Proven leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in mineral process plant design, commissioning, operations, and optimization.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, project management, and technical reporting.
• Understanding of ISO standards, environmental stewardship, health and safety, and sustainable mining practices.
• Strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Effective written and verbal communication for technical presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Valid drivers licensed and authorized to work in the US.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Has a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements. 

Kinross Leadership Practices

• Creates an environment where nothing is more important than every employee returning home safe and healthy every day.
• Creates an environment in which people are unfailingly treated with respect
• Fosters the talent and potential of all employees by enabling them to grow, develop, and make a difference in the organization.
• Demonstrates that leadership in the areas of environmental performance and community and stakeholder relations is fundamental to the way we plan and manage our business.
• Holds self and others accountable for the decisions, commitments, and behaviors required to deliver outstanding results.
• Uses judgment to manage business complexities, prioritize and balance conflicting demands to make timely decisions that best advance Kinross strategy.
• Builds and brings teams and people together to achieve organizational goals. Models’ humility by going beyond self-interest for the good of the group.
• Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and efficiently to maximize shareholder value.
• Relentlessly champions, develops and embeds best practices.

Kinross Competencies

• Strategic Effectiveness

Developing and communicating rigorous and creative business strategies that drive sustainable value.

• External Engagement

Understanding and building relationships with external parties that strengthen and sustain competitive advantage.

• Business Focus

Applying commercial rigor and discipline to all business decisions and customer relationships.

• Living the Kinross Values

Aligning behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles.

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Currently reporting to General Manager, and will report to Processing Manager.

Language Requirements

English

Compensation Data

Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid time off
• Stock purchase option
• Basic life insurance
• Short and long term incentives