Brooks & Nelson’s client is seeking an Underground Mine Manager.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Underground Operations Manager is accountable for the safe, compliant, and effective execution of all underground mining activities. The role provides overall leadership for underground production, development, mine services, paste fill, construction, and contractor activities, ensuring that work is completed safely, on plan, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
As a member of the site leadership team, the Manager translates the mine plan and business objectives into clear operating priorities, develops capable leaders and teams, and works closely with Technical Services, Maintenance, Health and Safety, Human Resources, and other functions to resolve constraints and improve performance.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide visible, field-based leadership and reinforce that safety, respect, accountability, and environmental responsibility are integral to every operating decision.
- Ensure underground activities comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation 854 for Mines and Mining Plants, applicable environmental requirements, and company policies, standards, and procedures.
- Establish clear expectations for hazard identification, critical controls, workplace inspections, incident reporting, corrective actions, and emergency preparedness, and verify that required controls are effective.
- Lead the safe execution of underground production, development, mine services, paste fill, and construction plans, achieving agreed tonnes, metres, grade, schedule, quality, and cost targets.
- Convert annual plans, forecasts, and life-of-mine objectives into practical weekly and monthly operating plans, and ensure resources and priorities are aligned to deliver them.
- Monitor operating performance, identify emerging risks and constraints, and take timely corrective action when results are off plan.
- Own the underground operating budget and forecasts; manage labour, contractor, consumable, and equipment costs; explain material variances; and implement appropriate controls.
- Improve equipment availability, utilization, work practices, shift execution, and schedule compliance in partnership with Maintenance and Technical Services.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce safety and operational risk, eliminate waste, improve productivity, and support sustainable cost performance.
- Build an effective owner-operator culture by establishing accountabilities, strengthening operating systems, and ensuring employees and contractors consistently follow company standards.
- Lead, coach, and develop underground superintendents, supervisors, and employees; support succession planning; address performance concerns promptly; and recognize strong performance.
- Maintain effective workforce planning and support recruitment, onboarding, training, competency development, and retention for the underground department.
- Set clear performance expectations for contractors and suppliers, monitor delivery against contractual requirements, and address safety, quality, schedule, and cost issues.
- Work collaboratively across departments to coordinate ventilation, ground control, sequencing, infrastructure, mobile equipment, materials, and other requirements necessary for safe and reliable execution.
- Provide accurate and timely operating updates, forecasts, risk assessments, and recommendations to the General Manager and site leadership team.
- Promote open communication across shifts and departments and maintain constructive relationships with employees, contractors, communities, and business partners.
- Demonstrate company values and an owner mentality through sound judgment, disciplined decision-making, and personal accountability for results.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A degree or diploma in Mining Engineering, Mine Technology, or a related discipline is preferred. An equivalent combination of underground mining experience, technical knowledge, and progressive leadership experience will be considered.
- At least eight years of progressive underground hard-rock mining experience, including a minimum of five years in mine operations leadership. Experience in precious-metals mining is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading underground production and development in a complex operating environment; owner-operator transition or operational ramp-up experience is an asset.
- Strong working knowledge of Ontario mining legislation, Regulation 854, statutory supervisory responsibilities, and underground mining hazards and controls.
- Appropriate Ontario mining supervisory and Common Core qualifications, or the ability to obtain required qualifications within an agreed timeframe.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and managing operating plans, budgets, forecasts, contracts, and cost-improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of underground mining methods, mine services, paste fill, mobile equipment, ventilation, ground control interfaces, and operating cost drivers.
- Proven ability to build accountable teams, develop leaders, manage change, resolve problems, and deliver results through others.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with employees, contractors, technical professionals, and senior leaders.
- Proficiency with standard business systems and the ability to use operating data and performance indicators to support decisions.
- Ability and willingness to maintain a regular on-site presence and respond to operational requirements outside normal working hours when necessary.
For Canada:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act.
