Mechanical Project Manager

Our client is a global mining company securing the critical minerals behind the energy transition, including copper, cobalt, nickel, tin, and rare earths; they invest in and operate premium mining assets.

They are seeking a Mechanical Project Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all mechanical packages within the company's Project Development Plan (PDP). This includes shaft equipping, permanent winders and headgear, man-riding and ore/waste conveyance systems, overland and underground conveyors, dewatering and pumping systems, and associated mechanical infrastructure required to complete and ramp up major underground mine development and shaft infrastructure projects across the company's operations as required.

The role ensures that mechanical works are delivered safely, to specification, on schedule, within budget, and fully integrated with civil, electrical, mining, and operational interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

1. Scope & Package Ownership

• Own the mechanical scope for assigned PDP packages (shaft equipping, winders, conveyors, pumping/dewatering, and related mechanical installations).
• Develop and maintain detailed package scopes, specifications, datasheets, and interface matrices.
• Ensure full alignment with the approved Project Execution Plan, WBS, and overall PDP baselines.

2. Planning, Scheduling & Progress Control

• Prepare and manage detailed mechanical installation and commissioning schedules, integrated into the PDP master schedule (Primavera P6).
• Drive critical path activities, particularly shaft equipping, winder installation, rope-up, and conveyance commissioning.
• Monitor physical progress, identify variances early, and implement recovery plans.

3. Contractor & Construction Management

• Manage mechanical contractors and specialist suppliers (including shaft equipping and conveyor contractors).
• Oversee fabrication, site installation, quality control, and pre-commissioning of mechanical systems.
• Conduct regular site inspections, toolbox talks, and ensure strict adherence to the company's safety, quality, and environmental standards.

4. Technical & Engineering Oversight

• Review and approve mechanical designs, drawings, method statements, and ITPs.
• Provide technical leadership on winders, headgear structures, conveyance systems, pumps, piping, and material handling equipment.
• Resolve technical queries, site instructions, and non-conformances promptly.
• Ensure designs and installations comply with relevant standards (SANS, ISO, OEM requirements, and Zambian mining regulations).

5. Cost, Change & Commercial Support

• Manage mechanical package budgets, forecasts, and commitments.
• Raise and evaluate change requests, variations, and claims related to mechanical works.
• Support commercial negotiations and ensure value-for-money outcomes.

6. Commissioning, Handover & Interfaces

• Lead mechanical pre-commissioning and commissioning activities through to successful handover to Operations.
• Manage critical interfaces with civil works, electrical systems, automation, mining, and processing teams.
• Ensure all as-built documentation, OEM manuals, training, and spares lists are completed and handed over.

7. Safety, Risk & People

• Champion zero-harm performance on all mechanical work fronts.
• Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, and safety risks specific to shaft and mechanical installations.
• Coach and develop junior engineers and supervisors, contributing to local skills transfer.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Professional registration with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) / Engineers Registration Board (ERB) or equivalent international body.
• Minimum 10–12 years' experience in mechanical project management on large mining capital projects, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record on underground mining projects involving shaft equipping, winders, conveyors, or major material-handling systems.
• Strong knowledge of project controls (scheduling, cost, progress measurement) and contract management (FIDIC or similar).
• Experience managing specialist mechanical contractors in an African mining environment.
• Previous experience on deep-shaft projects (preferably Copperbelt or similar) is desirable.
• Post-graduate qualification or formal project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is desirable.
• Familiarity with winder systems, conveyance design, and large pump stations is desirable.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical mechanical engineering judgement combined with practical site experience.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication; ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and interface with contractors and operations.
• Commercial awareness and decisive decision-making under pressure.
• Uncompromising commitment to safety and quality.
• This role is critical to the successful mechanical completion and operational readiness of the key PDP shaft and infrastructure projects that underpin the company's production ramp-up and long-term mine life extension.