Program Manager Mining

About the role

This senior position leads strategic program management for large‑scale mining initiatives in South Africa, overseeing the full lifecycle from exploration to operational readiness. You will act as the central orchestrator, aligning technical execution, regulatory compliance, and corporate strategy across international environments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end program management for mining projects, coordinating exploration, feasibility, permitting, construction and operational readiness workstreams.
• Define program scope, objectives, timelines, budgets and resource allocation in line with corporate strategy.
• Coordinate cross‑functional internal teams and external consultants across engineering, geology, legal, environmental, finance and operations.
• Manage relationships with government authorities, regulators and institutional stakeholders to secure permits and concessions.
• Drive ESG‑aligned stakeholder and community engagement initiatives to maintain social licence to operate.
• Monitor program risks, dependencies and critical paths, implementing mitigation strategies and escalating issues as needed.
• Establish governance frameworks, KPIs and reporting structures, delivering executive‑level updates.
• Oversee capital expenditure, budgets, vendor performance and contract management across multiple projects.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations, HSE standards and international best practices.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 6+ years of mining industry experience, including 3‑5+ years managing complex programs or multi‑project portfolios.
• Proven experience working with government bodies, regulators and local communities, preferably in Latin America or similar regions.
• Strong understanding of the full mining lifecycle (exploration, feasibility, permitting, construction, operations).
• Post‑graduate studies in program/project management or business are an advantage.

Required skills

• Mining Engineering
• Geology
• Civil Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification
• PRINCE2 methodology