Deputy Process Manager

Job Description

Lead the execution of strategy for the mill and dump leach operations and ensure alignment with the organizations' overall strategy.   Maximize operational efficiency and profitability of the mills.   Lead the operation in an efficient manner consistent with health, safety, and environmental standards to achieve production and operating cost goals.  It is critical to this role the efficient transfer of knowledge to the local Mauritanian staff ensuring rigorous performance management is implemented as well as succession and development plans are in place with the aim of attaining Kinross Mauritanisation objectives.  This role reports to Tasiast General Manager and leads a team of expats and national superintendents, supervisors, and other national staff.

Job Responsibilities

Develop And Lead The Processing Team

• Be a visible safety leader taking an active role in the implementation and refinement of the safety management systems, particularly Critical Risk Management
• Lead and engage the team in projects to improve the plant as / when required. Maintain a high standard for plant conditions
• Assure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards pertaining to mill operations by conducting frequent inspections of the facility
• Ensure staffing and resourcing levels are appropriate to meet the workloads and requirements of the section. This includes the appropriate mix of skill, trades, experience, mixed with organization design
• Set performance targets and measure, monitor, and manage overall performance of the department and direct reports. Ensure targets are relevant to team members and communicated regularly
• Ensure plant performance targets are consistently met by having a well organized team, clear on their roles and responsibilities
• Organize work such that business partner employees and team members function effectively together such that skills are complemented and transferred
• Participate in implementing training and development programs to ensure that curricula and learning outcomes are matched with departmental requirements
• Actively participate in the development of employees by making expectations clear, coaching and regularly conducting performance reviews with team members
• Take part in succession planning for key positions, advising on development activities required for high potential individuals

A Key Collaborator And Team Member

• Engages actively with the Safety Team to ensure the safety of personnel and plant
• A key contributor to the strategic planning process, collaborating closely with Technical Services to deliver short, medium and long term metal plans and forecasts
• Work as continuous improvement champion delivering capital and operational improvement projects related to improving processing operations. This can include plant infrastructure, process improvements or equipment upgrades
• Collaborate with other departments, such as mining and technical services, to deliver on production commitments
• Works with consultants and business partners to develop and advance projects / studies

Use Technical Expertise To Guide Operations

• Prepare annual operating plans and budgets for the Process Plant as well as monthly forecasts. Maintain costs by controlling labor, power, and supplies while achieving production targets
• Direct the metallurgical accounting and testing activities through the Chief Metallurgist to achieve optimum efficiency in the mill.
• Develop systems and measures that appropriately assess and improve mill operations performance 
• Direct the activities of the assay lab through the Chief Chemist and Chief Metallurgist to accomplish the goal of timely and accurate completion of assays and other required testing within budgeted costs
• Direct the Process Superintendent and Process CI Coordinator in coordinating operations and maintenance in the mill, including scheduling shutdowns for major work, establishing priorities, monitoring,  preventative maintenance and assuring that areas are ready for production and maintenance as scheduled
• Act as a change agent and project sponsor to drive key initiatives; models the Kinross values, and prioritizes business goals
• Actively supports and encourages an atmosphere of continuous improvement within the organization, and drives operational and efficiency improvements ideas

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Minimum Requirements

Education

• BS degree in Metallurgical or Chemical engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Additional specialized education, including a master’s level degree, is preferred.
• Formal professional designation in the area of expertise is preferred.

 Experience

• A minimum of 15 years related work experience, with at least 5 years in precious metals.
• Previous leadership experience within the mining industry.
• Experience in Plant Operations with increasing levels of responsibility is preferred.
• Previous expat experience working in challenging locations is preferred.

Skills

• General knowledge of mining and the integration of the mining, milling, and maintenance functions.
• Detailed knowledge of all phases of gold processing including grinding and agitated leaching with cyanide, carbon absorption and regeneration, and refining.
• Knowledge and experience developing policies and procedures for the organization.
• Good working knowledge and skills with a P.C. utilizing MS Office.
• Able to work independently, as well as be an effective member of the management team.
• Must possess strong verbal, written, analytical, and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Ability to speak in English is mandatory.  
• Ability to speak French is an asset.