Head of Operations & Maintenance ( O&M )

Department/Unit:

Reporting To

Direct Reports:

Job Purpose/Summary:

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement O&M strategies aligned with overall plant objectives, production targets, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee daily operations of Smelter, Refinery, and CCR to ensure smooth production flow, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintenance Management: Lead the maintenance function to develop and execute proactive maintenance strategies (preventive, predictive), minimize breakdowns, and optimize asset reliability and longevity.
• Safety & Environment (SHE): Champion a strong safety culture; ensure strict adherence to all SHE policies, procedures, and regulations; and promote environmentally responsible operations.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with Quality Control to ensure all products meet stringent quality specifications and implement corrective actions for deviations.
• Cost Control & Budgeting: Manage the O&M budget, control operational expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize resource allocation.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing O&M team; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish KPIs, monitor performance against targets, prepare detailed reports for management, and implement corrective actions.
• Technology & Innovation: Evaluate and recommend new technologies or process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise effectively with other departments (e.g., Projects, Commercial, HR) to ensure integrated operations and support.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Production Volume (tons/month, kg/day)
• Copper Recovery Rate (%)
• Energy Consumption (kWh/ton, GJ/ton)
• Maintenance Cost per Ton
• Unplanned Downtime (%)
• Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
• Product Quality Conformance Rate (%)
• Budget Adherence (%)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Master's degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, or Maintenance Management are a plus.

Required Experience:

• 18+ years of progressive experience in operations and maintenance roles within a large-scale metal (preferably copper) smelting, refining, or continuous casting industry.
• At least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role, managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent understanding of metallurgical processes (smelting, refining, casting).
• Proficiency in modern maintenance practices (TPM, RCM, CMMS).
• Sound knowledge of SHE regulations and best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.

Locations