Job Description

Position: Country Head – Bauxite Mining Operations

Department: Mining & Project Operations

Location: Cameroon

Reporting To: Managing Director / Group Management

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Required: 20–25+ Years (Preferably in Bauxite Mining)

1. JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly experienced and result-oriented Country Head – Bauxite Mining to lead and oversee Sarveksha's bauxite exploration, mine development, and mining operations in Cameroon.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, driving project execution, managing operational performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and establishing sustainable and commercially viable mining operations.

The role requires strong technical expertise, business acumen, stakeholder management capabilities, and extensive experience in developing and managing large-scale mining projects, preferably in African countries.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Country Operations & Strategic Leadership

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Company's bauxite mining business and project operations in Cameroon.
Develop and implement country-level operational strategies aligned with the Company's business objectives.
Oversee exploration, mine planning, project development, infrastructure establishment, and mining operations.
Establish operational priorities, annual business plans, budgets, and performance targets.
Lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure effective coordination between technical, operational, commercial, and administrative functions.
Provide regular operational and strategic updates to Group Management.

B. Bauxite Exploration & Mine Development

Oversee geological exploration, resource evaluation, drilling programs, sampling, and technical investigations.
Coordinate feasibility studies, mine development plans, and project implementation schedules.
Supervise mine planning, pit design, production scheduling, and resource optimization.
Ensure efficient deployment of mining equipment, machinery, and technical manpower.
Monitor project milestones and ensure timely execution of mine development activities.
Coordinate with geological consultants, technical experts, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

C. Mining Operations & Production Management

Lead mining operations to achieve production, productivity, quality, and cost targets.
Oversee excavation, loading, hauling, material handling, and transportation operations.
Ensure effective equipment utilization, preventive maintenance, and operational efficiency.
Monitor production performance, operational expenditure, and resource utilization.
Establish operational controls, reporting systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure bauxite quality management and adherence to customer specifications, where applicable.

D. Government Relations & Regulatory Compliance

Develop and maintain professional relationships with government departments, mining authorities, and regulatory agencies.
Oversee mining permits, licences, statutory approvals, environmental authorizations, and other regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with applicable mining, environmental, labour, taxation, and corporate regulations.
Represent the Company in meetings with government officials, regulatory bodies, and relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate with legal and compliance teams on mining agreements and statutory obligations.

E. Project Infrastructure & Logistics

Oversee the development of mine infrastructure, access roads, drainage systems, site facilities, and supporting civil works.
Coordinate logistics planning for equipment, materials, manpower, and mining operations.
Evaluate transportation arrangements, material movement, and supply-chain requirements.
Support the planning of mineral transportation, storage, and export logistics as projects progress.
Ensure cost-effective procurement and contractor management.

F. Financial & Commercial Management

Prepare and monitor annual operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and project financial forecasts.
Ensure effective cost control and financial discipline across country operations.
Review project expenditures, contractor payments, procurement costs, and operational performance.
Identify opportunities for cost optimization, productivity improvement, and business growth.
Support commercial negotiations, contract management, and strategic business decisions.

G. Stakeholder & Community Relations

Maintain constructive relationships with local communities, traditional authorities, government representatives, and project stakeholders.
Oversee community engagement, land access coordination, and local development initiatives.
Ensure responsible mining practices and effective management of social and environmental commitments.
Address stakeholder concerns proactively and maintain the Company's reputation.

H. Human Resources & Team Leadership

Lead and develop country-level technical, operational, and administrative teams.
Oversee manpower planning, recruitment requirements, performance management, and workforce productivity.
Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and professional discipline.
Coordinate with Group HR on employee deployment, expatriate requirements, local employment, and statutory compliance.
Develop local talent and strengthen organizational capabilities.

I. Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Ensure implementation of robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.
Promote safe mining practices, risk assessments, incident prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Monitor environmental compliance, waste management, rehabilitation planning, and sustainable mining initiatives.
Ensure contractors and employees comply with applicable safety requirements.

3. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Achievement of project development milestones and operational targets.
Exploration progress and resource evaluation deliverables.
Mining productivity, equipment utilization, and operational efficiency.
Adherence to approved budgets and cost optimization targets.
Timely statutory approvals and regulatory compliance.
Health, safety, and environmental performance.
Effective government and community stakeholder relationships.
Team performance, manpower productivity, and employee development.
Timely reporting and implementation of Management directives.

4. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related technical discipline.
Postgraduate qualification in Mining Engineering, Geology, Mineral Resource Management, or Business Administration will be an added advantage.
Relevant statutory mining competency certifications will be preferred.

5. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 20–25 years of progressive experience in mining, mineral exploration, mine development, or related project operations.
Significant experience in bauxite mining and large-scale mine development projects is strongly preferred.
At least 5–10 years in senior leadership positions such as Country Head, Project Director, General Manager – Mining, or Head of Mining Operations.
Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, project budgets, and government stakeholders.
Prior working experience in Africa, particularly Cameroon or other West/Central African countries, will be a significant advantage.
Experience in greenfield mining project development and transitioning projects from exploration to commercial production is highly desirable.

6. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Strategic leadership and country-level business management.
Strong technical understanding of bauxite exploration and mining.
Mine planning, project execution, and operational management.
Financial planning, budgeting, and cost optimization.
Government liaison and regulatory compliance.
Contractor management, procurement, and logistics.
Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Problem-solving, decision-making, and crisis management.
Ability to work effectively in multicultural and challenging operational environments.
Proficiency in English; working knowledge of French will be a significant advantage for Cameroon.

7. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The Country Head shall be accountable for establishing and strengthening Sarveksha's bauxite mining operations in Cameroon, ensuring timely project development, operational readiness, regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term business sustainability.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate strong ownership, leadership, and accountability while representing the Company's interests at the country level.