Lead, Production Engineer

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

The Lead Production Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction in production engineering activities across Mining Operations. The role drives operational excellence through production optimization, data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement initiatives, and effective collaboration with mining, technical services, maintenance, safety, and other operational teams.

The position is responsible for analyzing production performance, identifying improvement opportunities, leading productivity enhancement projects, and supporting the implementation of best practices to achieve safe, efficient, and cost-effective mining operations aligned with FQM Trident’s business objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical guidance in production engineering activities, ensuring alignment with operational targets, mine plans, and business objectives.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of production optimization strategies to improve productivity, equipment utilization, operational efficiency, and cost performance.
• Analyze production data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain production performance dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational effectiveness.
• Partner with Mining Operations, Maintenance, Technical Services, Safety, Training, and Commercial teams to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver sustainable solutions.
• Lead and support business improvement projects aimed at increasing productivity, reducing operational costs, and enhancing operational reliability.
• Review mining processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend innovative solutions to improve the overall production cycle.
• Support short-term and medium-term mine planning activities by providing production engineering input and ensuring practical operational execution.
• Provide technical support and guidance in areas such as fleet optimization, production scheduling, material movement, and operational readiness.
• Conduct operational reviews and provide recommendations to improve compliance with production plans and mining standards.
• Promote the adoption of technology, automation, and data analytics to enhance operational performance.
• Ensure effective communication of production performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives to relevant stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach junior production engineers, promoting technical capability development within the team.
• Ensure all production engineering activities comply with FQM safety standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain safe, effective, and sustainable work practices across Mining Operations.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Job Specific Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and data analytics tools.
• Strong capability in production reporting, data analysis, and performance management.
• Experience in SQL, database management, reporting systems, and data visualization tools, particularly Power BI.
• Strong understanding of open pit mining operations, production processes, and mining systems.
• Competent in engineering analysis, productivity improvement methodologies, and operational optimization techniques.
• Ability to interpret and analyze operational data to support business decisions.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong project management and change management capability.
• Understanding of safety management systems and mining regulatory requirements

Key Job Attributes

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analytics, production reporting, and performance management.

Experience required to perform in this job

• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in mining operations, preferably within an open pit mining environment.
• Previous experience in production engineering, mine planning, or operational improvement roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading production optimization initiatives and improvement projects.
• Experience working with large mining equipment fleets and production reporting systems.
• Proven ability to analyze operational performance and implement improvement strategies.
• Previous experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Experience working in a large-scale mining operation will be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Full Grade 12 Certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or equivalent Engineering qualification.
• Valid EIZ Membership
• Training or certification in mine planning, data analytics, project management, or continuous improvement methodologies will be advantageous.
• All qualifications must be certified by ZAQA

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