Position Summary

Reporting to the Process Plant Manager, the Chief Metallurgist will be responsible for ensuring optimization of the process plant is maintained through effective management and technical support to the operations group as well as external support groups including mine technical services and mine operations. This role is responsible for developing strategies, standards, and procedures to meet production through safe, efficient, and effective use of personnel and equipment. Overall, the Chief Metallurgist plays an important leadership and technical role in the Process Plant Operations team as well as the Project development phase which would include design reviews, system and procedure development to ensure operational readiness and process ramp up to design criteria. 

This position is located at the Mine site, on a 14 days in/14 days out rotation. 

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate leadership in Health, Safety and Environment through personal behaviors and conversations, and report all Health, Safety and Environment incidents and participate in Health, Safety and Environment initiatives, reviews and investigations.
• Establish and promote a respectful and healthy work environment at all times.
• Provide clear work objectives and expectations of the performance levels required to achieve business objectives and production goals.
• Manage performance by setting expectations, conduct performance reviews and providing feedback and coaching to direct reports.
• Promote the principle of ownership, accountability and mutual respect to the workforce and supervision.
• Develop and implement systems, policies, and procedures to direct, assess, and control the process performance.
• Manage metallurgical and laboratory programs and ensure priorities are set and communicated.
• Manage metallurgical and laboratory groups to ensure project and operational programs are completed satisfactorily. 
• Ensure that the quality of metallurgical work is of highest technical standard and that appropriate statistical analyses are considered.
• Co-ordinate medium to long-term work with departmental leaders to ensure production plans are integrated with organization requirements.
• Participate in co-ordination meeting with the mine department with respect to production plans.
• Ensure metals accounting is done according to established standards; quality control programs are set up and monitored.
• Manages the onsite Analytical Laboratory to ensure that the Lab employees work safely and according to the necessary technical standards.
• Provide oversight into the development and implementation of the Analytical Laboratory QA/QC program meeting company guidelines.
• Provide oversight into developing and implementing new methods and equipment.
• Effective management of the metallurgical team to ensure continued support to operations and process needs.
• Provide technical support for the design and commissioning of process related projects.
• Ensure objectives, targets and standards are established and effectively communicated to metallurgical / operational personnel.
• Ensure metallurgical needs are presented through budgeting process.
• Execute process plant control strategies necessary to meet or exceed budget targets.
• Ensure metallurgical reporting requirements are maintained to meet or exceed required expectations.
• Ensure quality assurance is maintained for all processes.
• Ensure effective communications are maintained with process stakeholders including the mining group and technical services.
• Ensure the laboratory is maintained at a high operating standard through QA/QC review and guidance.
• Promote and maintain a high-performance culture throughout the operation.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• Post-secondary degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Mineral Process Engineering.
• A Professional Engineer designation or eligible to be a member of PEGNL is preferred. 
• A minimum of 10 years of mining experience, 5 of which at a leadership level, preferably in a remote industrial environment. 
• Experience in a remote work site is required. 

Skills and Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of mineral processing plant operations, particularly troubleshooting of complex problems.
• Detailed working knowledge of metal accounting principles and practices.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with maintenance practices and principles.
• Ability to deal with multiple and changing priorities.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to interpret data.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements at remote sites.
• Development, coaching and training coordination of all direct reports to help the team succeed. 
• Knowledge of the OHS, mining, and construction regulations.
• Effective time management skills and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to influence and inspire others and manage cross-functional relationships.
• A valid driver license and a driver’s abstract.