Group Exploration Director

Our Client - A Gold Operator with operations in Eastern Europe and Africa is currently recruiting for a Group Exploration Director to be based at their Head Office.

Job Description - This role will report in to the Strategy Director and there will be a large budget allocated to exploration from year to year.

Team to manage:

• Currently 5 direct reports in head office and overall supervision and support to approximately 300 geology function employees across the various locations.

Focus of the role:

• Prospective geology - supervision of all exploration activities,
• Managing exploration project teams;
• Professional and development advice to mine geology

Key deliverables:

• Increase in reserves and resources

Major mandates for the role:

• Upgrade and professionalize the geology department to the best in class level;
• Improve communication top-down and also with the top management and other major stakeholders;
• Build a robust strategy for the function;
• Introduce economics to the decision making process.

Job Description -

• Direct the development of strategies, management plans, work procedures, reviews and agreements applicable to exploration activities.
• Take a meaningful part in the management team work.
• Develop exploration and related investment strategies across operations with due regard for risks, timeframes and exploration potential.  
• Promote exploration strategies and gain management support for their implementation.
• Analyze projects and provide recommendations for investment decisions.
• Ensure that the organization has the appropriate geological skills to carry out effective exploration.
• Ensure that geology sub-disciplines (e.g. geophysics, geochemistry) are effectively utilized.
• Ensure best practices in the geology discipline are applied.
• Set priorities for exploration activities and manage exploration budgets to achieve the desired discovery outcomes.
• Lead geology & exploration team; ensure appropriate performance management and development of functional staff.
• Ensure effective communication and strong relationships with regional and operational teams to provide appropriate advice on geology and exploration activities.
• Where necessary develop programs and procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the company.
• Manage the preparation of reports, key exploration and governance metrics to inform management, exploration partners and key stakeholders as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with current and potential exploration partners, government bodies, consultants, contractors, and research institutions.

Candidate Requirements -

• Must have a postgraduate qualification in geology and possess depth of geological knowledge;
• Working experience in a leading global mining company;
• Broad knowledge and understanding of mining operations, gold processing technology, financial and risk analysis and corporate governance;
• Strong field geology background combined with a proven track record in planning and executing exploration programs and discovering deposits;
• Knowledge of modern resource calculation methods;  
• Experience in working/managing international teams; should have international experience (Africa - a must, Eastern Eurpoe - a plus) and ability to work across diverse geographies and cultures; willingness to travel extensively;
• Demonstrable experience in leading/mentoring/coaching staff;
• Knowledge and experience in negotiating and agreeing exploration and exploration-related agreements (joint ventures, alliances etc.);
• Gold focused background with multiple gold provinces experience;
• Experience of handling projects from early stage target generation to resource development;
• Competence in interpretation of multiple data sets (geophysics, geochemical);
• Able to operate in the corporate environment, but be primarily field focused; able to balance strategic visions and execution capabilities to deliver results; hands on and detailed with ability to see the big picture and to contribute to business development;
• Possessing good organizational and people skills; excellent interpersonal, cooperative skills as part of interfacing with various levels of management and external bodies and agencies;
• Language abilities: preferably speak 2 languages between English, Russian and French
• Proven leadership and communication skills utilized in the application of safety, environmental and community  management;
• Organized and structured approach and ability to multi-task and prioritize;
• Conceptual, analytical and strategic skills and a vigorous thought process;
• Team players, striving for excellence, open to continuous improvement, yet receptive to criticism.

EarthStream  is a specialist global recruiting business dedicated to the energy, resources & environment sectors that is uniquely positioned to understand the interplay and increasing convergence between these sectors. We specialize exclusively in the energy, resources and environment sectors with our capability in providing staff across a range of technical, engineering, scientific and commercial disciplines. The recruiters in each of our industry specific divisions understand the unique skills and requirements of each vertical sector and where to find the best people in that field. With operations in five continents we have the coverage and experience to service our clients and candidates anywhere in the world. Please quote reference 8312 when applying for this position.

Apply directly for this role by emailing Jenna.Brown@earthstreamglobal.com. Alternatively, contact our office by telephone on +27 21 200 5562.