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:

Overall Job Purpose

The position of Maintenance Superintendent is to maximize plant availability through coordination of operation personnel to ensure all Engineering activities go on in a professional manner. This role is responsible for maintaining operational integrity of the plant and equipment in order to achieve production targets.

Specific Job Responsibility

The specific tasks to be performed by the position holder will include.

• Give clear direction, control and supervise the mechanical supervisors to ensure safe and profitable work environment for all.
• Be a self-starter and able to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety and the safety of your subordinates.
• Be accurate, methodical, and practical when giving guidance to mechanical supervisors and artisans.
• Ensure subordinates follow laid down policies and procedures as out lined by management.
• Enforce compliance to work order attachments and documents such as JSA’s, work procedure’s, SWI’s, etc.
• Co-ordinate and ensure compliance with Safety and Environmental Management systems, policies and procedures along with ensuring that all risks have been identified, managed and a safe working environment is maintained.
• Ensure good housekeeping practices are maintained by enforcing cleaning up before, during and after every task and not leaving any hazards within the workplace.
• Provide the engineering manager with practical suggestions and improvements for the section.
• Coordinate with departmental team members, as well as process departmental members.
• Have the ability to plan for shutdowns, arrange materials and manpower allocation in collaboration with planning department.
• Assist in the proactive identification of repair and maintenance works required, which includes spare parts sourcing abilities.
• Ensure that all tasks under your supervision are completed safely.
• Perform other duties as directed by your supervisor.

Job Specific Competencies

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of slurry and water pumps and all associated equipment.
• High co-ordination, control and direction skills including troubleshooting abilities on mechanical equipment.
• Construction and maintenance supervision background, with preference given to direct large scale mining experience is essential.
• Be actively involved with continuous improvement of the assigned section.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems; related to mechanical failures.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of tailings dams will be advantageous.
• Ability to quickly adapt to technological changes in mechanical equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and improve team safety awareness.

Key Job Attributes

• Good leadership qualities – Bolder, Smarter, Driven, Together.
• Demonstrate personal commitment by participating and contribute in safe practice and environmental awareness.
• Identification of potential hazards and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Maintain a high standard of efficiency, safety and effectiveness.
• Raise, discuss and resolve safety issues at regular meetings.
• Identify safety hazards and rectify/control.
• Adhere to and enforce all aspects of the company’s health, safety and environmental policies and procedures.
• Access safety hazard reports and follow up on corrective actions.
• Run safety meeting / toolbox talks on a daily basis.
• Performance management to achieve KPIs.
• Assist mechanical planner with planning of equipment maintenance.
• Ensuring that all tasks are carried out in safe and efficient manner, to assure maximum reliability and policies and procedures.
• Achieving results through prioritizing activities, monitoring the progress of assignments, holding oneself accountable for the results.
• Motivate yourself and others in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
• Planning & assisting in laying out of work on new projects.
• Ensuring maximum plant availability at all times.
• A proven ability to work with other disciplines to achieve minimal disruption to plant operating times.

Qualifications Experience required to perform in this job

• A grade 12 school certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in mechanical engineering from a recognized institution.
• Tertiary qualification in maintenance management will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a junior mechanical position (artisan).
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a senior mechanical position (supervisor / coordinator / mechanical section engineer).
• Proven knowledge and experience on heavy mining units of processing plants in tailings and services sections.
• Construction and maintenance supervision background, with preference given to direct mining experience.
• Good knowledge on the use of mechanical measuring instruments is essential.
• Ability to reading and understand mechanical drawings.
• Micro-soft office proficient.
• Must be able to groom up mechanical personnel to a high standard.
• A valid Zambian vehicle driving permit.
• Registered as a member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ).
• Registered as a member of the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia (ERB).