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

The Superintendent, Wet Plant Operations is pivotal in overseeing the operational management, strategic planning, and execution of the Flotation and Services Section. This role is crucial for maximizing production efficiency and minimizing costs, while ensuring safety and operational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure adherence to all relevant and applicable laws of Zambia.
• Uphold and enforce Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.
• Maintain a high standard of plant housekeeping.

Operational Management:

• Manage and account for equipment and personnel from the Copper Flotation feed surge tank through to the Bulk Copper Concentrate thickeners.
• Oversee the daily to monthly operations of the flotation and service plant to ensure optimized plant availability and metallurgical performance.
• Approve and oversee weekly and monthly maintenance plans.
• Monitor, control, and report on key performance indicators, plant activities, and operational shortfalls.
• Ensure both short and long term equipment plans and schedules (maintenance and production) are in place to deliver equipment capability.

Performance Optimization:

• Achieve and exceed plant recovery and concentrate quality targets, focusing on process stability, reagent makeup, and flotation cell performance.
• Facilitate daily interaction between the metallurgical team and operations to optimize plant performance.
• Manage, track, and report operational continuous improvement activities to enhance process performance.

Strategic Collaboration and Communication:

• Liaise with the Technical Manager and Shift Operations Section on ore quality and blending plans.
• Liaise with peer Superintendents (technical, production, and maintenance) to ensure comprehensive delivery of section requirements.
• Support maintenance in the delivery of their tasks and ensure equipment reliability.

Leadership and Development:

• Lead the Flotation and Services teams, ensuring effective team performance and development.
• Maintain and manage staff development, succession plans, and training programs, focusing on skills transfer and coaching, particularly for national staff.

Financial Management:

• Prepare and manage the annual Flotation and Services Operations Cost Budget and provide quarterly forecasts.
• Control and reduce operational costs.

Innovation and Improvement:

• Define, prioritize, obtain approval for, and implement capital improvement projects.
• Implement FQM Way culture across the team – “Bolder, Smarter, Driven, Together.”

Additional Duties:

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager, Process Plant.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge:

• Tertiary qualification in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• At least 10 years in technical and/or operational roles within flotation circuits, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior supervisory or management capacity.
• Experience in large-scale base metals processing plants, preferably with copper circuits.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Advanced understanding of metallurgical processes and optimization strategies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to compile and analyze performance data effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate continuous improvement and manage complex projects.

Abilities

• Work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
• Build strategic work relationships and foster a high-performing team culture.
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.

Behavioural Traits

• Strong commitment to safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.
• Strategic thinker with a results-driven approach.
• Proactive, diligent, and enthusiastic with strong decision-making skills.

Operational Requirements

• Proficiency in computer applications relevant to job functions.
• Available for standby duties as required.
• Excellent communication and detailed-oriented with strong planning skills.