1. ROLE OVERVIEW

The Operations and Business Development Specialist is responsible for leading the execution of Industrial Resources Limited’s (IRL) strategic, operational, and commercial initiatives across mineral exploration, mining development, metal trading, gold aggregation, mineral commercialization, and value-addition projects. The role drives the development and implementation of business strategies that enhance the commercial viability, operational performance, and sustainable growth of IRL’s mining and mineral resource portfolio.

The role is responsible for identifying, developing, structuring, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and commercial transactions that support IRL’s mandate of unlocking value from Zambia’s mineral resources, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across government, mining companies, investors, and local communities.

The role provides leadership in business development, commercial negotiations, transaction execution, partnership management, project implementation, and performance monitoring, with accountability for driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and sustainable revenue growth in support of IRL’s strategic objectives.

2. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue strategic business opportunities aligned with IRL’s mandate and growth objectives.
• Lead the development, structuring, and execution of commercial Agreements and partnership frameworks.
• Lead deal sourcing, transaction origination, and business development initiatives for mining projects.
• Develop business cases, investment proposals, and commercial assessments for strategic opportunities.
• Conduct market intelligence and industry analysis to identify emerging opportunities in mining, mineral processing, trading, refining, and value addition.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with mining companies, investors, commodity traders, government stakeholders and strategic partners.

• Operations and Commercial Execution:
• Coordinate implementation of metal trading and mineral commercialization initiatives.
• Lead the establishment, and operationalization of mineral buying centres, and other commercial initiatives in line with IRL’s strategic objectives.
• Coordinate implementation of exploration and mineral development projects in collaboration with technical partners.
• Coordinate operational delivery of strategic projects and ensure achievement of agreed milestones, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor operational performance of commercial agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and achievement of key performance indicators.

• Project Development and Investment Support:
• Lead the evaluation of exploration opportunities and investment projects.
• Coordinate technical, legal, financial, environmental, and commercial due diligence processes.
• Support development and implementation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and project financing structures.
• Prepare investment recommendations and strategic reports for management and Board consideration.
• Monitor project implementation and provide recommendations to enhance commercial viability and operational performance.

• Compliance, Governance and Risk Management:
• Ensure all business activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and governance frameworks.
• Support contract administration and compliance monitoring.
• Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of transaction records and project files.
• Participate in audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments.
• Promote ethical business practices and adherence to corporate governance standards.

• Financial Performance and Reporting:
• Monitor commercial performance, budgets and revenue generation across projects and business initiatives.
• Track key operational and financial performance indicators.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual business performance reports.
• Develop management dashboards and analytical reports to support decision-making.
• Identify operational and commercial risks and implement mitigation measures.

• Partnership and Stakeholder Management
• Manage relationships with strategic partners, investors, government institutions, regulators, and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate stakeholder consultations, negotiations, and engagement programmes.
• Monitor partnership performance and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.
• Facilitate effective communication between IRL and external stakeholders on strategic projects and commercial transactions.
• Represent IRL at industry meetings, conferences, forums, and stakeholder engagements.
• Preparation of presentations, proposals, and strategic communications.

• Leadership and Team Management
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to subordinate staff.
• Coordinate performance management and capacity development initiatives.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of staff within the department.

3. ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Professional Qualification/ Relevant Work Experience/Other Requirements
• Grade 12 School Certificate with five (5) O Levels.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Mining Engineering, Geology, Commerce, Project Management, Investment Management, or a relevant field.
• Professional certification in Project Management, Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance, or relevant fields.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years relevant experience in mining, mineral development, commodity trading, investment management, project development, or business development.
• At least five (5) years at supervisory or management level.
• Demonstrated experience in transaction execution, partnership management, project implementation, or commercial operations.
• Experience working with government institutions, investors, mining companies and international partners.
• Experience in the mining and natural resources sector.
• A valid Zambian Driver’s License
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

• Skill Specifications
• Knowledge of mining industry value chains, mineral commercialization, and commodity markets.
• Strong business development and commercial negotiations skills.
• Financial modelling, investment analysis, business case development and due diligence skills.
• Strong project management and implementation capabilities.
• Contract management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Market research and commercial analysis.
• Strategic planning and execution.
• Data analysis and reporting.

• Other Attributes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Results-oriented and proactive.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and business reporting tools.

4. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office working environment
• Regular engagement with mining operations, project sites, government institutions, commercial partners and local communities.
• Regular local travel within designated trade areas and occasional international travel