Head of Production (mine planning / gold / resources) - South America

A growing mining operation is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Head of Production & Technical Department to lead production planning, operational coordination, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives across mining and mineral processing operations. This strategic leadership role serves as the critical link between mining, geology, processing, maintenance, surveying, laboratory, and technical services functions. The successful candidate will drive operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, improve production performance, and support the achievement of business objectives through effective planning and technical oversight. Key Responsibilities Develop, coordinate, and monitor short, medium, and long-term production plans for mining and processing operations. Coordinate operational activities and production schedules across multiple departments. Monitor mining production, ore delivery, processing throughput, recovery performance, and operational efficiency against approved targets. Analyze production performance and identify bottlenecks, constraints, and improvement opportunities. Ensure compliance with mine plans, operational schedules, production targets, and technical requirements. Coordinate production forecasting, operational scheduling, and technical work programs. Support mine planning, operational development, budgeting, and resource allocation activities. Monitor equipment utilization, production rates, material consumption, and operational resource deployment. Maintain and analyze production statistics, operational data, and performance indicators to support management decision-making. Coordinate production reporting and ensure timely delivery of operational and management reports. Support reconciliation activities between mining, geology, processing, and laboratory functions. Lead operational improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, and cost optimization. Participate in strategic planning, operational reviews, audits, and expansion initiatives. Requirements Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, Metallurgical Engineering, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, or a related technical discipline. Postgraduate qualifications in Mining, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, or related disciplines are advantageous. Additional training in production planning, mine planning, project management, operational analysis, or business improvement methodologies is highly desirable. Experience Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior technical, planning, production, or operational management role within the mining industry. Experience supporting open-pit/open-cut mining and mineral processing operations. Strong background in production planning, technical services, operational analysis, mine planning, or production control functions. Experience with gold processing operations, including Gravity and/or Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) circuits, is advantageous. Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary operational and technical teams. Experience working within remote or camp-based mining environments is preferred. Benefits FIFO contract.