COO / Operations Director – Gold Refining

COO / Operations Director – Gold Refining | Confidential OpportunityRole Location: West AfricaCurrent Location: preferably UAE, with a minimum of 10–15 years of experience in gold or precious metals refining.Sector: Gold Refining / Precious MetalsRelocation: Permanent international relocation requiredThe OpportunityTURA Executive is conducting a confidential search for an experienced operational leader to oversee refinery operations for a gold and precious metals business in West Africa.This is a senior, site-based leadership appointment for a technically strong professional with substantial direct gold-refining experience, capable of leading production, developing operational teams and driving performance, efficiency and quality.Please note: This is a permanent position in West Africa, not a Dubai-based role. Further details regarding the country and employing organisation will be disclosed confidentially to suitably qualified candidates.Key ResponsibilitiesRefinery Operations: Lead day-to-day site operations, production planning, operational delivery and performance.Technical & Production Excellence: Optimise throughput, recovery rates, yield, process efficiency and product quality.Compliance & Risk: Maintain robust operational controls, health and safety standards, traceability and applicable regulatory and industry requirements, including LBMA-related standards where relevant.Leadership & Continuous Improvement: Lead multidisciplinary teams, monitor KPIs, strengthen operational capability and improve efficiency and cost control.Candidate Profile10–15+ years of relevant industry experience, including substantial direct experience in gold or precious metals refining.Proven senior leadership experience as a COO, Operations Director, General Manager, Head of Refinery or equivalent.Strong technical understanding of refining processes, metallurgy, production management and quality assurance.Demonstrable success improving operational performance, recovery, process control and production efficiency.Experience managing technical teams, operational risk, compliance and relevant industry standards.Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.Genuine willingness to relocate permanently to West Africa for a site-based leadership appointment.Experience in refinery start-ups, operational transformation or scaling production would be advantageous.Compensation & RelocationA highly competitive package will be offered, commensurate with experience and suitability. Further details will be discussed confidentially with shortlisted candidates.Interested?If you have substantial gold-refining experience and are open to an international leadership opportunity, please apply with your CV.Please include your current location, relevant refining experience, notice period, current monthly salary and confirmation of your willingness to relocate permanently to West Africa.All initial enquiries will be handled discreetly.TURA ExecutiveBusiness-critical talent. Specialist markets. Exceptional access.#GoldRefining #PreciousMetals #ExecutiveSearch