Group Geotechnical Lead

Job Des

Purpose / Role

Responsible for all Geotechnical Engineering studies and analysis pertaining to the mine operating area, including the management of the engineering geological model and ground control measures related to pits, waste rock storage areas, stockpiles, and tailings storage facilities within the mining area.

Role Details                                  

Key aims and objectives

·       Advise and support operations on geotechnical matters based on relevant geotechnical principles.

·       Improve Geotechnical modelling and optimize geotechnical design parameters.

·       Provide technical input into due diligence exercises or any projects or feasibility studies.

·       Standardize geotechnical processes and standards across the group.

·       Training, development and mentoring of operational technical resources.

·       Drive continuous improvement.

·       Minimise cost and wastage.

·       Implement quarter, month week plans.

·       Submit daily and weekly statistics and reports.

·       This role would require frequent travel (60-70% travel)

Main responsibilities and duties (Technical and functional for the role)

·       Development and implementation of group geotechnical policies, processes, and procedures specific to the function.

·       Develop standards, guidelines, policies and procedures for approval.

·       Review the geotechnical modelling program/s and quality assurance of geotechnical program/s for the group.

·       Monitor and drive the achievement of the department's objectives through peer reviews, data and regular assessments of outcomes.

·       Ensure adequate geotechnical competence and capability is available at the operations.

·       Regularly review the operations geotechnical management plan/s, ensuring implementation of compliance monitoring, evaluation, and correction processes including recommendations for improvements and actions plans.

·       Validate compliance to the geotechnical data collection process, data capturing methodologies, and interpretation for use within the mining schedule to maximize geotechnical value.

·       Provide specialist geotechnical advice on all geotechnical issues related to open pits, waste disposal storage areas, tailings storage facilities and stockpiles.

·       Prepare an appropriate budget for work and equipment related to group geotechnical activities.

·       Proactively advise where geotechnical compliance is not maintained.

·       Technical:

o   Provide quality assurance on the geotechnical parameters for inclusion in the Engineering Geological model e.g. current knowledge of lithological, weathering, structural and rock mass parameters (deterministic and probabilistic).

o   Share and recommend best industry practice tools and methodologies for geotechnical analysis, implementation of all geotechnical stabilization measures and modification of waste rock storage areas and mining plans.

o   Establish professional industry networks that can advise on current and future geotechnical thinking and methodologies.

o   Provide geotechnical advice to support all group mining and mine planning activities for optimisation and value creation purposes.

o   Take on all safety commitments.

o   Identify best fit for purpose equipment and software and standardize across the business.

Other duties

Finance & Commercial:

·       Maintain and/or optimize cost and expenditure.

·       Prevent and/or reduce financial inefficiencies across the group within the geotechnical function.

·       Monitor and assess care of equipment / stock in hand.

·       Implement geotechnical optimization initiatives.

·       Provide monthly expenditure report.
Leadership / management:

·       Model work behaviours consistent with the company Values.

·       Plan and set objectives and targets.

·       Support the allocation of resources to enable teams to deliver on agreed targets.

·       Providing strategic inputs in terms of activities to technical leaders at operations.

·       Recognise performance of the team / individuals.

·       Investigate and resolve problems, with operational teams or technical experts.

·       Drive performance to achieve function outcomes.

·       Improve processes continuously.

·       Share information a needs basis as required.

·       Develop the overall capability and health of the geotechnical function

 People:

·       Collaborate and engage with technical leadership teams

·       Ensure that the HR System (HRIS) is utilised.

·       Ensure constructive working relationships with all stakeholders.

·       Monitor and utilize team members across operations

 Health and Safety:

·       Ensure work processes are free from safety and health hazards.

·       Focus the team on health and safety goals.

·       Maintain processes to ensure a safe workplace to all employees and external service providers.

·       Participate in safety initiatives and programs at operations.

·       Manage safety compliance of external providers to the operations.

 Compliance and Business Improvement:

·       Ensure compliance of policies, procedures and programs as required by operation, business, and the regulator (e.g., OHSAS 18001).

·       Identify and prioritize all risks and liabilities and ensure these risks and liabilities addressed.

·       Conduct risks assessments.

Reports

·       As agreed,

·       Daily, Weekly statistics and reports

·       Sign off on geotechnical standards as a competent person

Key external interfaces

·       Mining Technical and Operations Team

·       Mobile Maintenance Team

·       All areas of employee responsibility and external providers

·       All Management Staff

·       Allied Gold Executive

·       Suppliers

·       Consultants - Technical Consultants and Suppliers

·       Stakeholders

Individual Requirements:

Qualifications: A Tertiary Qualification (ideally) in the field of Geology/Mine Engineering with specialization in Geotechnical Engineering and/or strong operational and tactical background.

Experience: 10 years’+ experience in Mine/Geotechnical of which 6 years should be in a technical advisory or supervisory role, preferably the mining industry.

Knowledge (What person should know – i.e. 4 most important things):

·       Mine/Geotechnical technologies and tasks.

·       Mine/Geotechnical specific knowledge

·       Knowledge of geology

·       Mine/Geotechnical metrics and reporting

·       Open pit mining

·       West African context (ideal)

·       Gold or related commodities

·       Mine Engineering experience - operational

Skills (What person should be able to do – i.e. 4 most important things):

·       Geotechnical analytical skills

·       Consulting and/or advisory skills would be advantageous.

·       Ability to work with large data sets and mathematical analytics.

·       Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.

·       Written and spoken English. (Professional French would be advantageous)

·       Experience in ERP systems, software and advanced/excellent Excel skills

·       Able to work within tight timelines, maintaining accuracy and efficiency of assigned tasks

Attributes (characteristics for this role – i.e. 4 most important things):

·       Strong communicator that can builds relationships with people.

·       Ability to collaborate with different teams.

·       Strategic thinking ability.

·       Lateral thinking and problem-solving abilities.

·       Energetic and engaging.

·       Compassionate.

·       Ability to work effectively as a team member in a multi-cultural environment.