Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Our client is a UAE-based international resources and mining group developing new metals-processing operations across Africa. As the asset owner, they are building an in-house technical function to steer the design and delivery of these plants alongside their appointed engineering and EPC partners.

Their projects span the full processing chain, from crushing, screening, grinding and flotation through to concentration and smelting, with a current focus on concentrator developments and plant expansions in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other locations.

They are seeking an experienced Manager, Mechanical Engineering to act as the owner's engineer for these projects from Abu Dhabi, with occasional travel to project sites for design and critical reviews. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you will review, challenge and approve the mechanical design produced by external consultants and EPC contractors, safeguard quality, cost and schedule, and build and lead the mechanical engineering team as the function grows.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and lead the Product and Plant Engineering team on all mechanical engineering matters across the group's metals-processing plant projects.
• Review, check and approve the mechanical design deliverables produced by appointed EPC/engineering consultants, datasheets, specifications, layouts, calculations, drawings and Bills of Materials, and release them for execution.
• Demonstrate technical leadership during detailed engineering and design activities, ensuring all disciplines are correctly integrated.
• Apply strong knowledge of mechanical equipment used in the metallurgical industry, including crushers, conveyors, flotation cells, mills and related systems.
• Ensure compliance with location-specific and international codes, standards and industry best practice (European, US, Indian and Chinese standards).
• Conduct project due diligence and issue critical technical comments on consultant and contractor deliverables.
• Review and sense-check Bills of Quantities, equipment sizing and tonnage against project requirements, with a sound awareness of project cost.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, datasheets, specifications, value-engineering proposals and tender evaluations in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and applicable legal requirements.
• Develop, mentor and lead the mechanical engineering team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised university.
• 15 to 20 years of relevant experience in base-metals or minerals processing (copper, zinc, lead, gold, platinum group metals).
• Proven experience as an owner's engineer, or in detailed-design review and approval, rather than pure execution.
• Concentrator plant experience essential; smelter or pyro-processing experience is an advantage.
• Genuine international project exposure; experience on projects in Africa is an advantage.
• Conversant with international engineering codes, with the ability to locate and apply the appropriate standards.
• Proven team leadership, with the ability to build and manage an engineering team while remaining hands-on.
• Conversant with AutoCAD 3D as a minimum.
• Strong command of English, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Abu Dhabi.