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:

Purpose of the role:

• To manage the activities of the planning section in order to provide planning and scheduling services to the Sentinel process plant sections.  This service is to be a consultative approach with the various section superintendents such that agreed plans and schedules to maintain sustainable, agreed levels of reliability and availability from the Sentinel process plant are produced.  It is the accountability of the section Superintendents to own and execute the plans.  This position is a cross functional position that will coordinate the departmental needs and assist the sections to balance priorities within the available resources to provide best fit resourcing solutions.  This position will be the primary support for materials coordinating focused on critical engineering spares availability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching and mentoring to planners / schedulers to enable them to understand the critical issues affecting the maintenance planning and scheduling requirements across the various sections of the process plant area.  Produce Weekly, Monthly and yearly look ahead plans as required by the planning coordinator. Provide input into the budgeting process for capital and operating budgets, manage long terms forecasts and ensure they are updated and re-issued monthly.
• Supports the continuous improvement and reliability processes.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for your subordinates, including ongoing training and development, performance management, conflict management and crisis management. Ensuring the right people are in the right job.  Put in place an agreed succession plan for all positions including your own. Discuss the performance with the team members against Planning KPI’.
• Provide tactical and logistical support to the entire organization, track and support the mine production plans to balance the maintenance activities within the availability goals, guide the maintenance and repair organization with updated performance/execution information, KPIs and management recommendations.
• Make sure that weekly, monthly and YTD performance KPI’s are produced and published across the department.  Attend the meetings with internal customers as appropriate to ensure planning and scheduling alignment.  Set up contracts as necessary with consultants or contractors for project work.
• Provide accurate reporting of shutdown progress, post-mortem and data analysis
• KPI’s and Technical Advice:
  • Prepare the long and short term strategy for the process plant.
  • Cost analysis for the engineering department in the process plant.
• Set up the targets for the maintenance KPIs.

Job Specific Competencies

• Proficient in all MS Office packages.
• Knowledge of Pronto or other enterprise systems.
• Plant specific experience on hard rock mining mobile plant and large copper processing plant.
• Previous experience in a large open pit mining, milling and flotation operation would be well regarded.
• Demonstrable experience with maintenance management systems and RCA will be a significant advantage.
• Must be familiar with safe working practices.
• Must have worked with recognized CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), Pronto will be added advantage.

Key Job Attributes

• Able to handle work with a great sense of professionalism.
• Possesses good organizational skills.
• Good oriented person.
• Maintain a professional approach to duties and responsibilities with the capability of making timely, rational decisions and an ability to meet deadlines.
• Act with honesty and integrity in all areas: maintain confidentiality in dealings with subordinates, clients and customers.
• Demonstrate accuracy, time management and organizational skills.
• Maintain a professional work ethic through effective, honest communication with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
• Commitment to reach or exceed maintenance, operational and safety goals.
• Work effectively in a team environment, supporting other team members when needed.
• The ability and drive to manage maintenance work group in a technically challenging and geographically remote maintenance environment.
• Sound planning, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Bold, Smart and Driven.

Qualification, Experience & Skill:

• A grade 12 school certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized institution.
• Registered as a member of the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia (ERB).
• A valid Zambian vehicle driving permit. Registered as a member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ).
• A tertiary qualification in maintenance management will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a junior planning position.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a senior planning position.
• Proven knowledge and experience in planning on heavy mining units of processing plants in milling, flotation, crushing, conveyors, chute repairs & conveyor drive systems.