Manager - Mine Planning (18 month contract)

Who We Are

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our four core values of Putting People First, Outstanding Corporate Citizenship, High Performance Culture, and Rigorous Financial Discipline. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

Mining responsibly is a priority for Kinross, and we foster a culture that makes responsible mining and operational success inseparable. In 2021, Kinross committed to a greenhouse gas reduction action plan as part of its Climate Change strategy, reached approximately 1 million beneficiaries through its community programs, and recycled 80% of the water used at our sites. We also achieved record high levels of local employment, with 99% of total workforce from within host countries, and advanced inclusion and diversity targets, including instituting a Global Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council.

Eager to know more about us? Visit Home - Kinross Gold Corporation

Purpose of Role

To provide technical guidance and support for operations and corporate development activities on a corporate-wide basis.  To act as a senior point of contact for all technical employees in the function. To provide recommendations on current and emerging practices and technologies and to implement recommendations that are a source of key competitive advantage. To participate in business and / or project planning by offering technical and cross-functional expertise.

Job Responsibilities

1. To use advanced-level knowledge to manage mine planning activities 

• Leads technical projects including defining and achieving project goals, anticipating and minimizing risks, managing resources, and delegating tasks
• Evaluates costs, engineering and mine planning data
• Acts as a change agent for areas related to mine engineering/planning, including assessing readiness to engage in change efforts and designing and implementing change strategies 
• Foresees and removes barriers to project success and escalates major issues to project sponsors
• Becomes knowledgeable in Xeras mine planning software and coordinates the preparation of standardized cash flow spreadsheets for the LOM plans.  Assist in auditing and updating preliminary LOM plans.
• Supports corporate scoping, PFS and feasibility study efforts as well as technical due diligence including preparation of open pit and potentially underground mine designs, costs and schedules.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams and considers the business impact of decisions on diverse groups; influences others to achieve project goals often without direct authority
• Provides technical support for all Kinross mines and various other Corporate support departments
• Evaluates, designs, and implements procedures related to mine planning
• As part of a team, prepares engineering studies aiding resource estimates for life of mine planning purposes.
• Appraise mining methods, processing methods, operating costs, capital spending, production schedules, dilution and ore loss estimates. Identify key engineering and mining success factors and issues that could impact the economic viability of new ventures under consideration.
• Identifies the need for and develops company-wide standards, procedures, and policies and ensures compliance with industry and professional regulations
• Participates in the technical audits at Kinross’ operations and ensures best practices are maintained
• Provides direction and leadership to both internal staff and external consultants or contractors engaged in providing technical support activities to the Company. Developing and administering professional services contracts with consultants.

2. To advise the management group on mine planning activities

• Prepares business cases and reports regarding projects, potential acquisitions / divestments  and other initiatives; presents recommendations and status updates to key stakeholders
• Prepares financial spreadsheets, summarizes information and communicates results to key leaders
• Reviews best practices and the competitive landscape and recommends continuous improvement efforts in mining engineering
• Interface with senior management and other departments (operations, project managers, human resources, accounting and information systems) to ensure effective identification and communication of operations and project information that could impact the Company’s business results.
   

Minimum Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in geology, mining engineering or a related field. Additional specialized education of up to 4 years, including masters level degree or equivalent
• Eligible for registration as a professional engineer in Ontario.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in operational and project environments within the mining industry

Additional Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• A firm understanding of open pit and/or underground mining procedures.
• Experience with strategic planning and budgeting in the mining industry. 
• Demonstrated interest in professional development.
• Working knowledge of a second language, preferably Spanish, French, Portuguese or Russian (desirable but not mandatory).
• High level of proficiency with various mine planning software systems (such as HxGN MinePlan Schedule Optimizer, Vulcan, Datamine, Whittle, Net Present Value Scheduler, MineMax, Deswik, MSO, etc.) desirable.  Exhibits an interest /aptitude for learning these systems.
• Well-developed technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Very strong communications skills. Team player with a strong inclination towards developing cooperative solutions.
• Ability to perform financial analysis in a mining environment.  Level of proficiency in spreadsheet-based cash flow analysis.  Xeras capabilities are a benefit.
• Ability to “cut to the chase”, quickly identifying key technical and business issues.  Must be self-directed and work well in a highly unstructured environment.
• Ability to travel internationally (approximately 30% of the time).