Executive Country Head – Botswana at SANDFIRE RESOURCES

This position requires a technically savvy and financially astute individual who can lead and drive results across the business in alignment with the objectives set by the Board of Directors in Australia. The candidate will have overall responsibility for leading Sandfire’s business strategy in Botswana, ensuring the successful operation of Tshukudu Metals Botswana and Tshukudu Explorations, as well as driving future growth through continuous exploration along the Kalahari Belt. The Executive Country Head is the face of all in country development, operations, public relations and stakeholder engagements.

Key Performance Areas

• Lead and drive the Sandfire strategy development, direction setting, implementation, financial sustainability, capability development, performance, operations, and governance of the precinct.
• Build and grow Sandfire’s mining and exploration business strategy in Botswana.
• Define and coordinate overall cross-functional governance and meeting structure for all projects in scope of the Strategy.
• Manage the interdependencies of initiatives across other cross-functional projects, align the overall programme plan at corporate level.
• Lead, influence and network to help build a highly skilled, innovative and credible operation.
• Develop and drive the company’s growth strategy and planning, closely managing the Profit & Loss for Botswana operations.
• Lead government and community public relations – managing stakeholder relationships.
• In Country Investor Relations – participate in capital market development
• Give direction, manage and maintain the license to operate.
• Advise the Board of Directors on project delivery in case of roadblocks and inform on overall program progress.

Technical Competencies

• Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the mining industry, including its trends, challenges, and opportunities, is crucial. This includes knowledge of mining techniques, mineral processing, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
•  Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities are essential for guiding teams, setting strategic direction, and inspiring employees to achieve organizational goals. This includes the ability to make tough decisions, manage conflicts, and foster a positive work culture.
• Business Acumen: A solid grasp of business principles, including financial management, budgeting, and risk assessment, is necessary for effective decision-making and resource allocation.
• Regulatory Compliance: A thorough understanding of local and international regulations governing mining operations is essential to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
•  Strategic Planning: The ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the company’s goals and market dynamics is crucial for long-term success.
• Operational Excellence: A focus on operational efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement is necessary to optimize mining operations and maximize profitability.
• Risk Management: Proactively identifying and managing risks related to safety, environmental impact, geopolitical factors, and market volatility is essential for safeguarding the company’s interests.
• Innovation and Adaptability: The ability to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements is crucial for staying competitive in the mining industry.

Behaviours/Personal Attributes

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities are essential for guiding teams, setting strategic direction, and inspiring employees to achieve organizational goals. This includes the ability to make tough decisions, manage conflicts, and foster a positive work culture.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, investors, and environmental groups, is critical for obtaining permits, resolving conflicts, and fostering positive community relations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, are necessary for effectively conveying information, overseeing and negotiating contracts, and giving direction to the team representing the company to external stakeholders.

Qualification & Experience

• Mining qualification or relevant tertiary qualification
• Leadership capability (strategic, decisiveness and empowering).
• 25+ years mining experience, with a sound understanding of mining operations.
• Minimum of 15 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record in mining operations start-ups, with a proven track record of success in operational management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Mining leadership international experience
• Proven track record in optimising and expanding operations
• High business and accounting acumen
• Advanced commercial knowledge and understanding how commercial impacts of change control, risks and issues.