Gold Mine Development & Operations Manager

Job Description

Gold Mine Development & Operations Manager

Location: Oman, with frequent and potentially extended travel to SudanReporting to: Owners / Directors based in OmanIndustry: Gold Mining & ExplorationAbout the RoleA privately owned business group is seeking an experienced Gold Mine Development & Operations Manager to lead the development, commissioning and ongoing operation of a gold-mining asset in Sudan.Based in Oman and reporting directly to the owners, the successful candidate will combine a strong professional background in geology with proven experience in gold-mine development, operational management and production delivery.The role requires an individual capable of assessing the current status of the mining asset, developing a commercially viable implementation plan, coordinating technical specialists and contractors, and overseeing the transition into sustainable production.Previous experience in gold mining in Africa is highly desirable, particularly experience developing, restarting or commissioning gold mines.Key Responsibilities1.

Geological Assessment & Technical OversightEvaluate the geological potential, technical status and development readiness of the mining asset.Oversee geological interpretation, drilling programmes, sampling, assay quality assurance and geological data management.Assess mineralisation, grade continuity, resource confidence and mineable potential.Coordinate geological modelling, resource estimation and mine planning with qualified technical specialists.Establish effective grade-control procedures to minimise dilution and ore losses.Review geological performance against actual mining results and processing outcomes.2. Mine Development & CommissioningDevelop a comprehensive mine-development strategy, including investment requirements, infrastructure, staffing, equipment and implementation milestones.Assess existing facilities, equipment, infrastructure and operational capabilities to determine requirements for bringing the mine into production.Lead mobilisation of personnel, contractors, equipment and technical resources.Coordinate mining, processing, engineering, procurement and infrastructure activities.Oversee commissioning, operational readiness and production ramp-up.Identify project risks, resolve operational challenges and ensure delivery against approved plans and budgets.3. Mining Operations & Production ManagementOversee day-to-day mining operations, including geology, extraction, processing, maintenance and associated support functions.Establish operational procedures, performance targets and clear accountability across site teams.Monitor production volumes, ore grades, gold recovery, equipment availability and operating costs.Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to productivity and operational performance.Coordinate mining and processing activities to maximise recovery and achieve production targets.Ensure accurate records of ore movements, stockpiles, gold production and inventory.4. Financial & Commercial ManagementPrepare operational budgets, capital expenditure forecasts and development cost estimates.Evaluate project economics, operating costs and production forecasts.Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and investigate material variances.Assess investment requirements and provide commercially sound recommendations to the owners.Establish appropriate controls over procurement, contractors, inventory and operational expenditure.Support transparent and authorised arrangements for gold handling, security and sales.5. Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementRecruit, lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across geology, mining, processing, maintenance and site administration.Manage contractors, technical consultants, suppliers and other service providers.Build local workforce capability and establish effective operating systems.Maintain professional relationships with relevant authorities, local communities and business partners.Promote accountability, operational discipline and a strong safety culture.6. Health, Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure mining activities comply with applicable mining legislation, permits and regulatory requirements.Oversee health, safety and environmental management systems with appropriate specialist support.Ensure effective risk assessments, emergency-response arrangements and site-security procedures.Monitor environmental responsibilities, including water management and tailings, where applicable.Ensure that statutory technical and operational responsibilities are assigned to appropriately qualified personnel.7. Reporting to the OwnersReport directly to the owners in Oman on project progress, expenditure, operational readiness and production performance.Provide clear management reports covering budgets, risks, timelines, production forecasts and key performance indicators.Present recommendations on investment, staffing, technical decisions and operational priorities.Obtain approval for major capital commitments and significant changes to agreed development plans.Establish consistent reporting and communication between the Oman management team and the Sudan site.Candidate RequirementsEssential Qualifications & ExperienceDegree in Geology, Applied Geology, Geological Engineering or a closely related geoscience discipline.Approximately 12+ years of relevant mining industry experience, including substantial gold-mining experience.At least 5 years in a senior leadership or management position.Proven experience bringing a gold mine into production, restarting an existing operation or managing a significant commissioning and production ramp-up project.Strong professional geological knowledge, including gold-deposit evaluation, drilling, sampling, resource assessment and mine planning.Practical operational experience beyond exploration, including coordination of mining, processing, maintenance and contractor activities.Demonstrated experience managing budgets, capital expenditure, operating costs and multidisciplinary teams.Experience working in remote, complex or challenging mining environments.Strong commercial judgement, problem-solving ability and integrity.Excellent English communication and reporting skills.Willingness to relocate to Oman and travel frequently to Sudan, including extended site assignments.Preferred BackgroundPrevious gold-mining experience in Africa, particularly Sudan or comparable operating environments.Experience in mine development, brownfield projects, mine restarts or production commissioning.Experience working directly with business owners, private investors or privately owned mining groups.Familiarity with recognised mineral-resource reporting standards, geological modelling software and independent technical reviews.Experience establishing operational systems, controls and reporting structures from an early development stage.First 90-Day PrioritiesThe successful candidate will be expected to:Complete a comprehensive technical and operational assessment of the mining asset.Identify the key workstreams, infrastructure, equipment, staffing and investment required to progress towards production.Prepare a prioritised mine-development plan, proposed budget, risk assessment and implementation schedule for owner approval.Establish clear responsibilities, expenditure controls and reporting procedures across Oman and Sudan.Define measurable milestones for operational readiness, commissioning and subsequent production performance.Working ArrangementThis is an Oman-based senior management position requiring regular travel to Sudan and potentially extended periods at the mining site. The successful candidate must be comfortable balancing owner-level reporting and commercial oversight with practical, hands-on operational leadership.Application ProcessInterested candidates should submit an updated CV detailing their geological qualifications, gold-mining experience, African mining projects, leadership responsibilities and previous involvement in mine development, commissioning or production operations.Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates who have demonstrable experience developing or operating gold mines in Africa.