We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operations Manager (OM) to lead and manage the Barroso Lithium Project through construction, ramp-up, and into steady-state mining operation.
The OM will be responsible for ensuring the project's safe, efficient, and profitable execution. This role involves strategic planning, production management, financial oversight, and relationship management with all staff and stakeholders.
Objectives of this role:
- Collaborate with the COO in setting operations strategy: Work closely with the COO to define the operations strategy and translate it into daily operations to meet the set objectives. This involves understanding the broader vision and goals of the company and ensuring that day-to-day activities align with these strategic objectives.
- Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth: Implement operational goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning to ensure the strategy is executed effectively. This means breaking down the strategy into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and ensuring that all team members understand their roles in achieving these goals.
- Oversee operations and employee productivity: Ensure that operations are carried out efficiently and that employee productivity is maximized. This involves creating a highly inclusive culture that allows team members to thrive, providing them with the necessary resources and support, and continuously monitoring and improving operational processes.
- Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention: Partnering with HR to ensure that the processes of recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and employee retention are carried out effectively to maintain a high-performance team. This includes implementing policies and practices that attract, develop, and retain top talent.
- Ensure compliance with national and local business regulations: Ensure that the company complies with national and local regulations and take appropriate action when necessary. This involves staying up to date with relevant laws and regulations, conducting regular audits, and implementing corrective actions as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning and Direction: Develop and implement long-term strategies for the mine, including production targets, resource allocation, potential expansions, and capital investment.
- Construction/Commissioning Management: Develop and execute the strategy for project construction and robust commissioning plan and staffing.
- Production Management: Oversee all aspects of the mining operation, from daily planning and scheduling to execution and monitoring, ensuring production targets are met.
- Financial Management: Manage the mine's budget, monitor and control costs, and ensure profitability.
- Operational Efficiency: Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks, including safety, environmental, and financial risks.
- Team Leadership: Build and develop a high-performance management team, foster a positive work environment, and ensure employee engagement.
- Stakeholder Management: Maintain and enhance relationships with contractors, local government, communities, and other stakeholders.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with global and local safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Safety and Environment: Prioritize safety and environmental protection, implement and monitor safety protocols and environmental management systems.
- Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present regular reports on the mine's performance, including production, costs, and safety metrics.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgy, or related field Master’s/MBA, is a plus.
- Minimum of 20 years of experience in the mining industry, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in open pit operations.
- Experience in lithium mine operations is preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of mining methods, production planning, and processing technologies.
- Experience in mining project construction and commissioning is desirable.
- Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale mining operations.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving, negotiating, and decision-making abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of mining regulations and best practices.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Portuguese and English speaker.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Savannah Resources is an equal opportunity workplace - We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.
To apply for the position, please send your CV to jobs@savannahresources.com