Minopex was established in 1996 in response to a growing need in the mining industry for contract operations. Today, Minopex is seen as a leader in contract operation and maintenance, operating facilities at major mines in several countries. Contract operation and maintenance is the new paradigm for mineral processing through the world as companies look f...
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Description
- The Senior Data Scientist will lead a dynamic team comprising data scientists, process engineers, and operational success engineers. The role will focus on driving the scoping, development, deployment, and adoption of various data solutions, machine learning (ML) models, and data-driven systems across mineral processing operational sites. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that data solutions and ML models are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and fully aligned with the operational challenges and goals of the business This is a strategic role that will play a critical part in improving operational efficiency through advanced data solutions and technologies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with site operations, software development teams, and other senior leadership to ensure seamless integration and effective utilization of data-driven systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, process engineers, and operational success engineers.
- Oversee the scoping, development, and deployment of machine learning models, data solutions, and analytical tools across various mineral processing sites.
- Collaborate closely with site operations teams to identify key business challenges and opportunities for data-driven solutions.
- Ensure the successful integration of ML models and systems into operational workflows, driving adoption and demonstrating value through measurable improvements.
- Provide technical oversight on the design, implementation, and maintenance of data pipelines and scalable data systems to support the organization’s digital transformation goals.
- Ensure continuous collaboration with other technical leads, including software development and systems integration, to ensure the smooth implementation of data solutions.
- Act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters related to data science and machine learning.
- Stay up-to-date with advancements in data science, machine learning, and industrial applications, continuously recommending new tools, technologies, and methodologies.
- Provide strategic input to the broader technology and business strategy, ensuring that data science initiatives are aligned with business objectives.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of data models and solutions, refining them as needed to ensure their effectiveness and accuracy over time.
- Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the data science team and the wider organization.
Experience and Skills Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in data science, with a minimum of 2 years in a senior or leadership role.
- Proven track record in developing and deploying machine learning models and data solutions in an industrial or production environment, preferably in mining or mineral processing.
- Strong expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, as well as proficiency with SQL.
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, including data scientists, engineers, and analysts.
- Deep understanding of the full lifecycle of machine learning models, from data collection and feature engineering to model deployment and monitoring in production environments.
- Strong knowledge of industrial processes and their intersection with data science in driving operational improvements.
- Familiarity with databases, data pipelines, and ETL processes, as well as experience with data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau).
- Experience in project management, including scoping, resource allocation, and timelines for successful execution of data science projects.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficiency in report writing and client presentations using MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Projects.
- Medically fit and be able pass medical examinations at mining sites.
- Fluent in English (Read, write, and speak)
Qualification Requirements
- Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification registered at NQF Level 4
- Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Postgraduate qualifications (MSc or PhD) in Data Science, Machine Learning, or a similar field will be advantageous.
- Experience in mineral processing and metallurgy will be advantageous.
- Professional certifications in data science, machine learning, or related technologies are desirable.
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PURPOSE
- The HSEQ Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Management Systems across DRA Water Operations and associated projects. The role ensures legal compliance, ISO-aligned system effectiveness, risk mitigation, and the development of a proactive Zero Harm culture across all operational environments.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
HSEQ Leadership and Governance
- Provide visible HSEQ leadership across all operations sites, promoting a strong safety, quality, and environmental culture.
- Act as the custodian of the Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring alignment with ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 principles.
- Advise management on HSEQ risks, trends, and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and manage HSEQ Budgets.
- Provide input into Business Development and tenders/ proposals.
Legal and Statutory Compliance
Ensure compliance with applicable South African legislation including:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Mine Health and Safety Act (where applicable)
- Environmental legislation and local by-laws
- Manage and maintain all statutory appointments, Certificates of Fitness, medical surveillance records, and Letters of Good Standing (COID).
- Ensure statutory equipment inspections and compliance records are current and auditable.
- Interface with DMPR / DOL and other regulatory authorities during inspections, investigation, or audits
Heath, Safety and Environmental system
- Develop, implement, and maintain HSEQ policies, procedures, standards, registers, and templates.
- Implementation and maintenance of the Health, Safety and Environmental digital systems.
- Ensure records (Incidents, manhours, PTO’s, VCL, Events) are accurately captured and closed on the digital systems.
- Ensure document control, version management, and master document library integrity across SharePoint and IMS platforms.
- Lead Management of Change (MOC), Non-Conformance, Corrective Action, and Continuous Improvement processes.
- Manage the completion of all relevant documents accurately and timeously by applicable stakeholders.
- Verify that all Company and Client policies and procedures are always adhered to.
Risk Assessment
- Facilitate hazard identification, risk assessments, baseline risk assessments, and operational risk reviews.
- Monitor leading and lagging indicators including incidents, near misses, audits, inspections, and behavioral observations.
- Lead incident investigations and ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions are effectively implemented and tracked.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of incident and injury management – from immediate response and reporting to investigation root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions
Audits, Reviews and Reporting
- Plan and coordinate internal audits, external audits, client audits, and certification audits. ensuring site readiness and addressing findings through corrective action tracking.
- Compile and present HSEQ performance reports, dashboards, and executive summaries for Exco, OpCo, and client forums.
- Track audit findings, non-conformances, and improvement actions to closure.
- Conduct and review plant, equipment, and workplace inspections and initiate preventative interventions
Client management
- Act as the primary HSEQ interface with clients, regulators, auditors, and external consultants.
- Participate in site, project, and head office HSEQ forums and governance meetings.
- Support client assurance requirements and contractual HSEQ obligations.
Contractor and Supplier HSEQ Management
- Oversee contractor HSEQ prequalification, onboarding, monitoring, and performance evaluation.
- Support procurement and operations with supplier HSEQ risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
- Ensure alignment with supplier and contractor management policies within the IMS
Incident Investigations
- Lead and direct all incident investigations, driving actions and outcomes through to final completion and closure.
- Perform Root Cause Analysis.
- Ensure correct reporting channels are followed on site as well as to Head Office Support functions.
- Ensure investigations and associated reports are timeously completed
- Follow up on corrective actions to be implemented and advise the site team on overdue actions.
- Liaise closely with clients throughout the accident investigations.
SHE Representatives
- Coordinate the establishment of a H&S committee that meets on a periodic basis.
- Motivate the committee to be effective in their duties and advises members of their functions and duties.
Training, Competency and Awareness
- Ensure all employees and contractors are appropriately inducted, trained, and competent for their roles.
- Develop and oversee HSEQ training programmes, toolbox talks, campaigns, and awareness initiatives.
- Support leadership and supervisor development in HSEQ accountability and behavioural safety (VCL).
- Facilitating in-house and external SHE training.
- Ensure safety training needs are identified and communicated to site management.
- Ensure documented proof is kept of all Safety related training done.
- Ensure safety training is in line with modern practices, procedures and legislation.
- Ensure training statistics are recorded timeously.
- Ensure sites have update personnel files with relevant valid competencies.
- Ensure sites have maintained a site training matrix
Qualifications and Minimum requirements
- Matric (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification registered at NQF Level 4, including relevant NATED courses (e.g., N3 Certificate) where applicable.
- National Diploma or Degree in Safety Management or related SHEQ discipline.
- Health and Safety Management Certification (I.e., SAMTRAC/ COMSOC/ NEBOSH, Lead Auditor).
- Incident Investigation Competency (ICAM, RCAT, etc).
- Risk Management (HIRA).
- Sound knowledge and practical application of the MHSA and OHSA.
Experience, knowledge, skills and Training
- Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant experience in SHEQ management within mining, processing, or heavy industrial environments
- Strategic SHEQ planning and leadership.
- Strong knowledge of legal frameworks and compliance systems.
- Effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
- Ability to coach and develop SHEQ personnel.
- ISO 9001 Quality Management Internal Auditor Training will be an advantage.
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Internal Auditor Training will be an advantage.
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems Auditor Training will be an advantage.
- Full Computer literacy in MS Office.
- Strong PowerPoint Presentation report-writing skills.
- High level of integrity and attention to detail