Superintendent, Mine Planning

South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd. • Town of Patagonia, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent, Mine Planning is responsible for leading and coordinating all mine planning activities for a large-scale underground polymetallic mining operation. This role oversees mine design, scheduling, and strategic planning across multiple planning horizons to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective extraction of ore and waste. The Superintendent will develop and maintain integrated mine plans that incorporate geological, geotechnical, mining, mine services, processing, operational, and financial considerations to support the successful transition from project execution through steady-state operations. Reporting as a key technical and operational leader, the role manages a team of mine planning engineers while collaborating closely with Operations, Technical Services, Processing, Operational Readiness, and Project teams to optimize mine performance and support the long-term strategic objectives of the Hermosa Project. The role is also responsible for annual Reserve Declaration activities and leading technical studies focused on operational optimization, growth opportunities, and value creation across the operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of mining industry experience, including both operational and project development experience.
• Strong underground mining engineering experience, preferably in base metals and longhole open stoping operations.
• Demonstrated experience in underground mine design, scheduling, and technical planning.
• Experience supporting new project development, mine startup, and ramp-up to steady-state production.
• Experience calculating and reporting Mine Reserves.
• Competent/Qualified Person certification (CP/QP), or ability to obtain certification through a recognized professional organization (SME, AusIMM, or equivalent).
• Advanced proficiency with Deswik mine design and scheduling software.
• Experience with financial modeling, cost estimation, and cost management systems; XERAS experience preferred.
• Knowledge of underground mining methods, mine infrastructure, ventilation, dewatering, and ground support systems.
• Experience with geotechnical and ventilation modeling in an underground environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams.
• Strong organizational and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvement, cost reduction, and value optimization initiatives.
• Established network of industry consultants and technical professionals supporting underground mine development.

Responsibilities

• Lead long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine planning activities for underground operations.
• Develop and maintain integrated mine designs and schedules aligned with operational, technical, and financial objectives.
• Optimize mine layouts, sequencing, and extraction strategies to maximize ore recovery, productivity, and project value while minimizing risk and operating costs.
• Drive technical excellence in mine planning through close collaboration with Geology, Geotechnical, Mine Services, Ventilation, Processing, and Operations teams.
• Oversee annual Mine Reserve calculations and reporting requirements.
• Partner closely with Mine Operations and Operational Readiness teams to support the transition from construction/project phase into stable operations.
• Support development and implementation of production reporting systems, short interval control processes, and operational planning tools.
• Collaborate with South32 teams and external contractors/consultants to advance underground design and construction planning activities.
• Monitor and improve mine planning systems, processes, standards, and tools to support operational readiness and continuous improvement.
• Manage the site-wide mine cost model (XERAS), including reporting, reconciliation, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Support business planning, budgeting, and financial evaluations related to mining activities and growth opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Business Strategy and Financial Evaluation teams to develop and maintain economic and financial models.
• Lead and participate in technical studies related to mine expansion, optimization, and long-term strategic development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of mine planning professionals.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage consultant performance to ensure delivery of high-quality technical work.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and capability building within the technical team.
• Ensure all planning activities comply with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards.
• Demonstrate visible leadership and commitment to health, safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible mining practices.

Benefits

• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
• South32 will match retirement savings contributions up to a certain percentage.
• 4 weeks paid time off.
• 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary carers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager