Section Manager: Plant Technical

Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business, which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group’s people, shareholders, communities and partners. We believe that a sustainable business is purposeful, competitive, resilient and agile – it’s a business that thrives through both economic and social cycles.

As part of the Ore Processing team at Venetia Mine, South Africa’s most valuable diamond mine, we’re seeking a skilled and driven professional to help deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable plant performance.

As Section Manager: Plant Technical, reporting to the Assistant General Manager – Surface Operations, you will be responsible for leading the plant’s metallurgical technical services function. This includes overseeing quality control and assurance, and providing technical support to production teams. You’ll apply deep technical expertise to analyse data, diagnose problems, and implement solutions that improve processes, systems, and work methods.

If you’re passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and working in a high-performance, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

As Section Manager: Plant Technical, your role will focus on leading the plant’s technical performance and driving operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic technical support to Production Teams to ensure consistent achievement of throughput and recovery targets.
• Overseeing metallurgical governance, including compliance with technical, operational, and quality standards, and leading internal audits and assurance processes.
• Managing plant performance, ensuring stability, sustainability, and alignment with production forecasts and business objectives.
• Driving cost efficiency, ensuring delivery within budget while maintaining high operational standards.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimisation, asset performance enhancement, and innovation in technical practices.
• Coordinating plant readiness for strategic production milestones, including the delivery of 5.9Mt, through collaboration with cross-functional teams (Production, Projects, Mining, MRM).
• Contributing to strategic projects ensuring technical alignment and operational integration.

• BSc Engineering or B-Tech (Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy).
• Postgraduate qualification (advantageous).
• Leadership program or qualification (advantageous).

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 5 years of operational (processing) experience in Ore Processing.
• 3–5 years’ experience at middle management level.
• Broad technical knowledge of mining operations, with specific experience in diamond processing plants.
• Proficiency in ore processing design and analysis.
• Knowledge of process modelling and simulation principles and software packages.
• Project management experience.
• Strong planning, decision-making, and organisational skills.
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ability to build team synergy, manage diversity, and drive performance.
• Financial management skills, including understanding of budgets, supply chain, and procurement processes.
• Strong business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Must successfully obtain a Red Ticket (Medical Fitness Certificate) for work in a plant environment.
• Employment is subject to SAPS criminal record clearance and qualification verification.
• Candidates will be required to undergo psychometric assessments.

Who We Are

De Beers Group is a company with a rich history and a sparkling future.

Since 1888 our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group’s people, shareholders, communities and partners.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us.  We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential.

How to Apply

• To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.
• Preference will be given to Venetia employees who meet the criteria.
• For all internal applicants, you are required to complete an internal application form and attach detailed CV. This form must be accompanied with a signature from your immediate Line Manager and Head of Department, failure to do so will render your application invalid.

CLOSING DATE: 20 August 2025

#LI-NK1