Head of Engineering - Mining

POSITION: Head of Engineering

JOB LEVEL: E Upper

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

ROLE OVERVIEW

This is a senior-level role (Job Grade: E Upper), responsible for the strategic direction, governance, and operational optimisation of all engineering functions across Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft & Infrastructure systems. The successful incumbent will play a pivotal role in aligning engineering practices with the broader Asset Management Strategy driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation through the integration of best-in-class maintenance practices, automation, and performance analytics.

This complex Level 4 Stratified Systems Theory (SST) role requires a combination of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and leadership depth to deliver high-impact outcomes across a multifaceted engineering environment. Reporting at a senior management level, the role balances technical expertise with organisational leadership, while embedding a culture of safety, productivity, and respect across the engineering function.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS & QUALIFICATIONS

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Postgraduate qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

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Government Certificate of Competence (GCC) Mines & Works

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Professional registration (ECSA, AMRE, SAIEE)

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Minimum 15 years experience in operational engineering within mining or heavy industry, with at least 5 years at senior management level

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Proven leadership in both Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) and Shaft-based engineering operations

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Strong track record in large capital projects, asset management, and technology deployment

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Deep understanding of engineering planning, legal compliance, ESG leadership, and financial governance

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Capability to assume legal responsibility under the Mine Health and Safety Act

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Medically fit for the role, including passing risk-based assessments and heat tolerance screening

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Advanced operational safety leadership with a proven safety delivery record

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Proficiency in legislative, safety, health, and environmental requirements and standards

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Strong team leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills

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Resilience and adaptability in ambiguous and dynamic environments

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Strategic problem-solving and systems-thinking skills

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Experience with business optimisation methodologies, e.g., Lean Six Sigma

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High personal accountability and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

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Understanding of ESG principles and corporate citizenship

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Full-cycle operational financial and commercial budgeting experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and promote a culture of authentic safety leadership, including safety campaigns, audits, incident management, and investigations

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Stay abreast of legislative changes affecting engineering operations and implement compliant strategies

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Champion initiatives to foster a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace

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Lead engineering talent management programmes, including workforce development, succession planning, coaching, and mentorship

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Develop, execute, and monitor Asset Management strategies to optimise fleet, plant, and infrastructure reliability and ROI

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Oversee major capital projects, standardise equipment and processes, and implement robust engineering governance practices

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Align engineering planning with operational strategies, including labour, materials, utilities, and capital planning

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Embed data-driven operational performance analytics to identify and implement improvement initiatives

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Participate in operational planning and scheduling sessions to resolve operational challenges collaboratively

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Monitor advancements in engineering technology, automation, and mechanisation for adoption in operations

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Develop and maintain energy management strategies to optimise efficiency and emissions

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Build and manage stakeholder relationships while ensuring accountability for operational delivery, service levels, and ethical standards

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Oversee cost, capital, and budget management practices across engineering operations

Package :

R4 000 000 Per Annum Negotiable

APPLICATION NOTE

Should you require assistance or encounter challenges during the application process, please contact us on info@hedzrecruitment.co.za