Processing / Plant Manager (Gold Processing Plant)

Location: Mine Site, Sierra Leone

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (1 Year, Renewable)

About the Opportunity

Our client, a reputable and growing gold mining company in Sierra Leone, is seeking an experienced Processing / Plant Manager to lead the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of its gold processing plant.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a results-oriented professional with extensive experience in gold processing operations, metallurgical performance, operational excellence, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for maximizing plant performance, gold recovery, safety, and cost efficiency while driving continuous improvement across all processing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all processing plant operations, including crushing, milling, gravity recovery, CIL/CIP, elution, electrowinning, gold room operations, laboratories, utilities, and tailings management.

Deliver production targets by maximizing throughput, plant availability, and metallurgical recovery.

Monitor and optimize process performance, reagent consumption, energy efficiency, and water utilization.

Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and regulatory requirements while promoting a strong zero-harm safety culture.

Work closely with Mining, Maintenance, Technical Services, Supply Chain, and HSE teams to achieve operational objectives.

Coordinate preventative maintenance, plant shutdowns, and asset reliability programmes.

Prepare and manage annual operating budgets while controlling production and operating costs.

Analyse operational and metallurgical data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing processing team.

Prepare accurate daily, weekly, and monthly operational and production reports for senior management.

Qualifications

Essential

Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, or a related discipline.

Preferred

Master's Degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Engineering Management, or an MBA.

Experience

Applicants should possess:

Minimum of 10 years' experience in mineral processing, preferably within the gold mining industry.

At least 5 years in a senior processing or plant management leadership role.

Demonstrated experience managing:

• Crushing and grinding circuits
• Gravity recovery systems
• CIL/CIP operations
• Elution and electrowinning
• Gold room operations
• Tailings storage facilities

Experience working within Africa and previous commissioning or plant expansion experience will be highly advantageous.

Key Competencies

Gold Processing Operations

Metallurgical Performance Optimisation

Plant Leadership

Operational Excellence

Budget & Cost Control

Asset Reliability

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Strategic Planning

Continuous Improvement

Team Leadership & Coaching

Stakeholder Management

Strong Analytical and Decision-Making Skills

Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing mining operation where you will play a critical role in delivering operational excellence, improving plant performance, and contributing to the long-term success of the business.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to nnene@oakheed.com

Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.