Manager, TSF

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Key Accountabilities:

Leading the TSF team in the safe, effective and environmentally responsible management of the 2x TSF, feed lines, and booster station.
Distribution of responsibilities include both technical and operational aspects, with operations possibility to be outsourced to a contractor, requiring the candidate to show contracts management experience.
Ongoing conformance, establish where necessary, and improve otherwise, the Tailings and Dam Management System (TDMS) and the GISTM Alignment initiative in accordance with corporate guidelines
Collaborate with the Group Specialist Tailings to support the technically sound and efficient operation of the dam and implement the technical recommendations.
Maintain a full life-cycle approach to dam management and all associated assets linked to dam management across planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance and planning for closure
Develop and update tailings management plans, considering the specific climatic and geographic conditions of the region, collaborate with engineers and consultants to design, enhance tailings facilities and conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for new tailings storage solutions.
With the appropriate Group, Site or Consulting resources, implement comprehensive monitoring programs to ensure the stability and safety of tailings facilities, regularly evaluate the performance of tailings facilities and implement necessary improvements, use geotechnical and hydrological data to predict and mitigate potential issues.
Ensuring key dams management documentation is followed and updated per the TDMS, and procedures and records are sufficient for dam quality control and assurance
Ongoing review of operating targets and processes that ensure business continuity
Applying a proactive approach to regulatory requirements and relevant guidelines
Ensuring adequate resourcing and an effective team organizational structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for cost-effective tailings and water dam management
Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the TSF team members and their interaction with other departments, for example, TSF construction, projects, process and environmental
Identify continuous improvement projects and opportunities within the operations to improve dam integrity, work practices and procedures. Ongoing improvement to dams monitoring, IoT and Early Warning Systems.
Development of capital and operational budgets and associated performance reporting
Ensure the completion of daily, weekly, monthly dam inspections, monitoring and reporting by internal staff as well as Dam Safety Inspections by external consultants
Pro-actively manage the dams Risk Management processes, spanning risk identification, critical controls, planned controls, TARPs and corrective actions
Stay current with industry best practices, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in tailings management and lead the implementation of innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance TSF safety and efficiency.
Maintain team awareness of dam’s risk identification, emergency preparedness and safety via regular training programs
Ensure effective planning and management of the TSF development including tailings deposition, decant pond levels, beach length and freeboard
Capacity building a Zambian dam workforce, in collaboration with corporate, including recruitment, succession planning, coherent Learning and Development programs and initiatives across technical and operations. Act as a mentor where necessary and a coach to build competency and confidence.
Promote the FQML approach of Smarter, Bolder, Driven and Together and THINK safety program
Own the accountability, legal compliance and legal appointment for the TSFs.

Qualifications:

At least Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining, or Environmental Engineering or a related field.

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PE) are an advantage.

Experience:

At least 15 years of experience across several Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) in particular in regions with high precipitation.
At least 10 years onsite experience in tailings management
Working knowledge of ANCOLD and ICOLD guidelines, if not also the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) or Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) guidelines
Experience with the construction and management of upstream cycloned sand TSFs
Knowledge in piping works activities and slurry transportation, and good asset management practices.
Experience with technical best practices on TSF
Demonstrate technical competence through design and/or operations experience in at least one of the following work areas: tailings storage, leach stockpiles, water dams, risk analysis for dams, process water balance, slurry transport.
Proficient in MS Office and other engineering tools
Strong leadership and team building skills

Behavioural Traits:

Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Team player and results orientated
Highly motivated & driven
Methodological and organized
Relate and communicate to people on all levels
Good Problem Solving ability & Patient attitude
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to relate to all levels internally and externally, and in both formal and informal settings.
Ability to thrive in a team environment.
Ability to influence, supervise, coach, and lead a team of professionals.
Fluency in English is required. A willingness to undertake language training desirable.