
Principal: Geotechnical Engineer
- Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide expert technical support for both Managed Operations and Non-Managed Joint Venture Operations on the following:
- Roll-out, embedment and review of relevant standards, frameworks and best practices, managing compliance issues within the relevant managerial and governance frameworks
- Provide SME input to ensure / enable the operations within De Beers Group Operations manage geotechnical risk effectively
- Development of geotechnical services strategies focusing on the 1-5yr window, aligned to the Life of Asset Plans of the operations within Operating Model principles and support the operating cost budget requirements.
- Provide support and guidance in terms of designs and life of asset plans for operations, inclusive of waste dumps.
- Review and development of project specifications and design criteria are reflective of minimum requirements and safe and cost-effective manner.
- Facilitate continuous improvement and modernization at operations aligned to the defined priority areas based on the monitoring of geotechnical key performance indicators, findings and trends.
- Support the sites on systemic issues related to critical and/or persistent risk and significant projects
- Support the development of technology roadmaps for the upstream operations.
- Drive people development within the discipline by identifying knowledge gaps, providing coaching, identifying potential employees, and planning succession for critical roles
- Assurance on behalf of De Beers Group regarding the following:
- Provide second line and coordinate third line assurance on relevant standards
- Provide project assurance support, both reviewing projects and assistance with the preparation for external reviews.
- Review inputs, activities, schedule and cost (Capital and Operational cost) for geotechnical service strategies as defined by operational teams as an input into the business planning cycle and projects.
- Formal qualification/s in Mining, Geology, or Rock Engineering
- Government ticket of competency - COMREC and/or COMAREC
- Valid Medical Certificate of Fitness
- Willingness and ability to travel both locally and internationally on a regular basis
- Demonstrated experience in a senior people leadership role within a technical environment, including the coordination of knowledge sharing across a discipline, managing workload and reviewing the work of others to ensure consistency with task requirements.
- Experience in a management position, including the successful strategic management of a large sub-functional team
- At least 10 years managerial and/or consulting experience at a senior level in Underground and Open Pit mining.
- Experience developing and managing geotechnical site investigations
- Experience in solving underground and open pit challenges
- A demonstrated thought leader and widely regarded external expert in the field of Geotechnical / Rock Engineering, with a particular focus on Underground Hard Rock Environments.
- Knowledge of other legislation that determines the operational and safety requirements for Mining, Rehabilitation and Mine Closure
- Knowledge of tender processes, contract administration and financial progress monitoring
- Knowledge of safety and risk management processes