Senior Engineer, Metallurgy at Exxaro Resources

Job description

PURPOSE:

• To facilitate the effective development of Exxaro’s mineral assets and related systems throughout their life cycle stages specifically focusing on the operations phase.
• To ensure effective metallurgical performance in process execution through process monitoring/analysis and development and/or implementation of improvement projects in a complex environment.
• To render process development services to Exxaro operations aligned with applicable policies and standards To lead cross-functional technical teams towards achieving a common goal.
• To develop and recommend metallurgical equipment and processing standards.
• To participate in target setting for process performance as well as medium to long term production planning and scheduling inputs To ensure effective and efficient commissioning of plant processing changes and on boarding of new capacity.
• To contribute to development and implementation of an appropriate approach to knowledge management for process development in line with business needs.

MAJOR CHALLENGES:

Liaising across the BU value chain to generate, evaluate and implement value adding ideas. Strong liaison with operations personnel on all levels to ensure behaviour that supports process performance Cross functional teamwork and coordination of activities to achieve job intent Critical evaluation and improvement of integrated metallurgical processes performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BEng Metallurgical Engineering ( Essential/Minimum )
• Certificate Project Management ( Essential/Minimum )
• Management Development Programme ( Recommended/Desirable )

EXPERIENCE:

6-8 years Relevant operational experience in coal handling and preparation plants,essential of which 3-5 years design experience of coal handling and preparation plants is recommended, 3-5 years project management experience is essential, 3-5 years project portfolio management experience in a mining environment is recommended - Essential/Minimum - Operational

REQUIREMENTS:

• Certificate of Fitness ( Essential/Minimum )
• Engineering Council of SA ( Essential/Minimum )
• MHS Act Regulation 2.9.2 ( Essential/Minimum )
• OHS Act Section 8(2)(1) Supervisor/Forem ( Essential/Minimum )
• Psychometric Assessment ( Essential/Minimum )

POSITION OUTPUTS:

The incumbent will inter alia be responsible for the following:

• Business Performance and Operations
• Develop and manage throughput and efficiency improvement plans and/or initiatives
• Identify new business opportunities to support business unit performance
• Investigate complex engineering problems and develop solutions for optimisation of engineering systems
• Render product technical and contractual support services to operations
• Establish and maintain process simulation models on a company approved modelling platform
• Plan and oversee blending of products to ensure customer specifications are met
• Develop and follow-up on project initiatives to add value to customers’ requirements
• Execute, manage, implement and co-ordinate coal process engineering activities to ensure optimum performance according to operational requirements, organisational objectives and sound engineering practice
• Communicate and obtain buy-in for implementation plans, new systems and processes.
• Business Strategy and Development
• Manage processing/product risks and opportunities in the investigations phase to support proper strategy development.
• Compliance, Governance and Assurance
• Manage functional activities in compliance with Exxaro policies, standards and procedures (e.g. project management, process engineering and design and process improvement)
• Recognise, understand and take action to manage risks that can impact on processing environment and projects
• Conduct assurance reviews on stand-alone equipment and processes
• Application of controls to ensure legal and best practice compliance within designated area
• Provide and participate in governance systems for standalone equipment and processes.
• Continuous Improvement
• Initiate continuous improvement initiatives leading to cost saving ideas
• Keeping abreast of technology trends
• Conduct applied research work in order to initiate process changes
• Conduct desktop and pre-feasibility studies toward improving process flow for medium scale projects
• Assume responsibility for metallurgical process design.
• Customer, Stakeholder and Client Relationship Management
• Support core business and ensure appropriate stakeholder relationships
• Manage internal and external relations, including interface with other functions responsible to meet program needs
• Maintain a high level awareness of customer and client requirements and extensive internal and external professional networks.
• Functional Management
• Render process development services to the BU aligned with applicable policies and standards
• Provide a professional/specialist advisory support service with regard to production/product quality across different levels within organisation
• Apply sound metallurgy practices, adding maximum value for business of today and tomorrow
• Facilitate the effective development of Exxaro’s mineral assets and related systems throughout their life cycle stages specifically focusing on production phase and Brownfields expansion
• Manage outsourced metallurgical services interventions
• Implement knowledge management processes (professional networks).
• People Management
• Staffing: Assist to select, appoint and on-board functional staff (BU)
• Performance management: Clarify roles/responsibilities and expectations. Define individual performance standards, monitor and measure performance and reward and recognise high performance. Apply consistent performance and consequence management and take prompt action against non-performance
• Talent development: Actively manage talent through regular assessment of employees’ strengths, development needs and development progress. Provide ongoing mentoring, coaching and development feedback to employees. Assist to oversee technical coaching of PIT's, engineers and technicians-in-training
• Communication/engagement: Encourage open expression of ideas/opinions and foster dialogue. Seek out different opinions. Inform people of decisions, changes and other relevant information. Proactively address conflicts and initiate difficult conversations
• Team development: Assist to develop effective and high performing team incl. shared team purpose, principles, goals, accountability and effective team player capabilities. Create an environment of accountability and trust
• Compile and lead medium-sized teams effectively to achieve goals (project based).
• Project Management
• Implement project management principles and practices for planning, design and implementation of project outcomes
• Conduct complex analysis of project systems and processes
• Evaluate and complete projects with minimum risk, within allocated timeframes and according to specified budgetary requirements
• Manage projects with regard to processes, technology and equipment
• Manage project life cycle for small to medium sized projects
• Represent Exxaro as owners team representative on large and mega projects
• Provide leadership in projects by enforcing Exxaro project management standards and encourage and ensure that deliverables are reviewed before handing over to clients
• Managing and concluding process design decisions at bankable feasibility level
• Execute and project delivery in such a way as to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Safe and Healthy Work Environment
• Adhere to MHS/OHS Act and comply with company specific SHE policies and procedures
• Maintain and ensure a healthy environment and safe operations practices. Ensure compliance with all applicable SHE policies and procedures in line with set standards
• Encourage a culture that focuses on safety in all operations
• Create awareness, address all unsafe practices and accept responsibility for area of responsibility.