Mining Manager (open-pit / gold / operations) - South America

A growing gold mining operation is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Head of Open Pit Mining Operations to lead and manage all aspects of surface mining production activities.

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing pit development, ore extraction, waste removal, workforce management, equipment utilization, drill and blast coordination, and operational compliance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective mining operations while achieving production targets and supporting long-term mine development objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily open cut mining operations and production activities.

• Coordinate ore mining, waste stripping, hauling, stockpiling, and pit development programs.

• Ensure mining activities are executed safely and in accordance with approved mine plans and production schedules.

• Monitor operational performance against production targets and key performance indicators.

• Supervise mining supervisors, operators, contractors, and support personnel.

• Manage workforce deployment, shift scheduling, and operational manpower requirements.

• Optimize equipment utilization and coordinate with maintenance teams to maximize equipment availability.

• Oversee drilling, blasting, excavation, hauling, dewatering, road maintenance, and related mining activities.

• Ensure haul roads, pit benches, dumps, ramps, and working areas are maintained to safe operational standards.

• Collaborate with geology teams to ensure effective ore control, grade control, and mining sequence compliance.

• Coordinate ore delivery requirements with processing operations to maintain consistent plant feed.

• Support productivity improvement initiatives, cost control measures, and operational optimization projects.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering, Mining Operations, Geology, or a related mining discipline.

• Additional qualifications in mine management, heavy equipment operations, leadership, or production management are advantageous.

• Blasting certification, mine safety certification, or other relevant operational certifications would be considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in open pit/open cut or surface mining operations.

• Demonstrated experience supervising mining production activities and heavy equipment fleets.

• Experience within gold mining operations is highly desirable.

• Previous management or senior supervisory experience within active mining operations is required.

• Experience working within remote or camp-based mining environments is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and workforce management capabilities.

• Excellent operational planning and organizational skills.

• Proven ability to achieve production targets while maintaining safety standards.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Effective communication and reporting skills.

• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of mining equipment utilization and production optimization.

• Proficiency with operational reporting systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

FIFO contract.