Head: Front End (Surface & Underground) at AECI Limited

Purpose of the Job

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the division, ensuring alignment with Mining and Group-level strategic requirements.
• Drive the execution of business strategies across all operational and sales segments to achieve sustainable growth and market leadership.
• Deliver on key financial targets including divisional P&L, EBIT, gross margin, EVA (Economic Value Added), and RONA (Return on Net Assets).
• Optimize the use of resources (fiscal, people, assets, and market presence) to improve performance and profitability.
• Secure, grow, and maintain strategic customer contracts, expanding the division’s market share in the Mining sector
• Lead high-performing teams by fostering a culture of accountability, capability development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure operational excellence through continuous improvement, innovation, and customer-centric delivery.
• Champion ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, driving sustainability, safety, compliance, and responsible business practices.
• Promote digital transformation and innovation to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and competitive advantage.

Required outputs: Functional

Strategic Management
Strategic Translation and Execution:

• Translate AECI Mining’s strategic objectives into clear, actionable divisional strategies and operational plans for both surface and underground mining segments. Ensure these plans are effectively cascaded, resourced, and executed across the division.

Integrated Business Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of medium- to long-term business plans that align with group-level requirements, market dynamics, and customer needs. Ensure alignment across sales, operations, finance, and technical functions.

Competitive Differentiation and Value Proposition Delivery:

• Drive the implementation of AECI Mining’s value proposition in the market. Proactively position and differentiate the division’s offering through innovation, service excellence, and operational performance

Strategic Risk Management and Opportunity Identification:

• Identify, assess, and respond to strategic risks and market opportunities that impact divisional performance. Ensure proactive mitigation strategies are in place to secure long-term sustainability and growth.

Stakeholder Alignment and Influence:

• Align internal and external stakeholders around divisional strategic objectives. Influence decision-makers, build partnerships, and ensure that the division contributes meaningfully to AECI Mining’s strategic position.

Performance Monitoring and Strategy Review:

• Establish metrics, KPIs, and reviews to track the execution of strategic and operational plans. Drive continuous improvement and adjust strategies based on market trends, performance outcomes, and stakeholder feedback.

Financial Management
Divisional Financial Oversight:

• Financial management of the division, including oversight of the trial balance and balance sheet, to drive growth, profitability, and financial compliance.

Income Statement & Balance Sheet Optimization:

• Maximize financial performance by optimizing key ratios and metrics across the income statement and balance sheet in line with strategic objectives.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Develop accurate annual budgets and forecasts for capital and operational expenditures, aligned with corporate guidelines and priorities.

Cost Control and Efficiency:

• Monitor and manage costs to ensure efficiency, margin protection, and long-term financial sustainability.

Customer relations
Customer Relationship Enhancement:

• Build strategic relationships with internal and external customers to drive loyalty, satisfaction, and long-term value creation.

Key Account Leadership:

• Manage and develop high-value key accounts as delegated by Manco, ensuring service delivery, contract performance, and growth of strategic partnerships.

Customer-Centric Strategy:

• Drive a customer-first culture by ensuring that solutions meet evolving customer needs

Safety, Risk and Compliance
Divisional Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for surface and underground operations; implement and monitor mitigation plans.

Governance and Policy Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with internal governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and systems across all operational and commercial activities.

Safety, Health, and Environmental Standards:

• Enforce compliance with SHE standards and drive a safety culture that supports the division’s zero-harm objectives.

License to Operate:

• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance to uphold the division’s license to operate, including adherence to company standards and applicable legislation.

Stakeholder management
Strategic Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to support divisional objectives and long-term growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with operations, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and technical teams to align on market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities.

External Representation:

• Represent AECI Mining in engagements with regulators, customers, suppliers, government entities, and industry bodies to advance business interests and maintain corporate reputation.

People Management
High-Performance Culture:

• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and excellence through performance management and recognition practices.

Leadership Development:

• Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports and broader divisional teams to build leadership depth and operational capability.

Team Development & Communication:

• Lead a large, diverse workforce by promoting clear communication, providing training, and ensuring access to development opportunities.

Talent Retention & Growth:

• Create a dynamic work environment that attracts, motivates, and retains top talent

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Technical qualification, preferably in mining engineering
• Business qualification (B-Com or related degree; MBA or Senior Management Development Programme are added advantages)
• 9 -12 years relevant experience 
• At least 3 years in a strategic role reporting into a MANCO
• Strong knowledge of mining and industrial operations, market conditions, safety obligations, and innovation trends.
• Expert knowledge of sales strategy, tendering, pricing models, and full-cycle sales process management.
• Deep understanding of customer relationship management, key account strategies, and Mining market dynamics.
• Expertise in structuring, negotiating, and managing contracts with defined KPIs, liability clauses, and performance outcomes.
• Solid understanding of labour law, union dynamics, and stakeholder engagement principles that ensure operational continuity and long-term business sustainability
• Working knowledge of legal, regulatory, and compliance frameworks relevant to the mining sector and the division's operations, including:
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Competition Act
• Companies Act
• Explosives Act
• DTI and other sector-specific legislation