About Company
Blanket Mine (Pvt) Ltd., a leading gold producer located in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, has been a cornerstone of the region’s mining industry for decades. As a subsidiary of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, we are committed to operational excellence, sustainable mining practices, and making a positive impact on our employees, local communities, and the environment. We pride ourselves on a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging cutting-edge technology and robust processes to extract value responsibly. Our operations are critical to the economic landscape of Matabeleland South, providing significant employment opportunities and contributing to local development initiatives. Joining Blanket Mine means becoming part of a dedicated team that is passionate about driving efficiency, optimizing productivity, and ensuring the long-term viability of our precious resource extraction.
Job Description
We are seeking an exceptionally skilled and visionary Director of Industrial Engineering to lead our efforts in optimizing operational efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across all facets of our mining operations in Gwanda. This strategic leadership role requires a seasoned professional who can champion continuous improvement initiatives, implement lean methodologies, and drive transformative change within a complex industrial environment. The Director of Industrial Engineering will be instrumental in analyzing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and designing innovative solutions to enhance our gold extraction, processing, and support functions. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that integrate industrial engineering principles with our overall business objectives, ensuring we meet production targets while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership, operations managers, and cross-functional teams to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and operational excellence. If you are a dynamic leader with a proven track record in industrial engineering within the mining or heavy industry sector, eager to make a significant impact in a critical and evolving sector, we invite you to lead our journey towards unparalleled operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive industrial engineering strategies aligned with the company’s strategic goals and operational objectives.
- Lead initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, capacity planning, and efficiency improvement across mining, processing, and ancillary operations.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, reduce operational costs, and enhance productivity.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of current workflows, equipment utilization, and labor allocation to pinpoint areas for improvement and propose data-driven solutions.
- Design and implement new processes, systems, and layouts to optimize production flow, material handling, and overall operational performance.
- Manage and mentor a team of industrial engineers and analysts, fostering a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and professional development.
- Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and HSE departments to ensure seamless integration of new processes and systems.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources and achieving return on investment for improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards in the design and implementation of new processes.
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies and automation solutions to enhance operational capabilities and competitiveness.
- Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance, project status, and key efficiency metrics to executive management.
Required Skills
- Master's or Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mining Engineering, Operations Research, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial capacity.
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Minitab) and simulation software.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
- Proven leadership and team management capabilities, with experience in mentoring and developing engineering professionals.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- In-depth understanding of mining operations, mineral processing, and heavy industrial environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Experience with ERP systems and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) implementation in a mining context.
- Familiarity with advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning applications in industrial optimization.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and impact.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Relocation assistance and company-provided housing options (where applicable for senior roles).
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.
- Work in a stable and essential industry with significant impact.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the link below to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please ensure your application includes a detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.