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Process Plant Maintenance Manager - Job Opportunity at Glencore

Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Full-time

Senior

Posted: July 21, 2025

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year plus expatriate benefits package including housing allowance, education allowance, medical coverage, and annual leave travel. The compensation reflects the senior management level, specialized mining industry expertise, challenging location factors, and Glencore's position as a major global mining company. Additional benefits typically include performance bonuses, long-term incentive plans, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Benefits

Comprehensive safety protocols and risk management systems ensuring employee protection in mining operations

International career development opportunities within a global mining conglomerate

Professional development through exposure to advanced hydrometallurgical and sulfuric acid manufacturing processes

Multicultural work environment fostering intercultural communication skills

Strategic leadership role with direct impact on business unit performance and cost optimization

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic interpretation of business objectives and develop tactical maintenance approaches that directly impact operational profitability and equipment availability

Lead asset management strategy implementation ensuring maintenance function operates at peak efficiency while minimizing operational costs

Oversee critical equipment performance optimization across hydrometallurgical and sulfuric acid manufacturing plants

Architect and implement planned maintenance systems that ensure compliance with operational requirements and industry best practices

Orchestrate major equipment shutdowns coordination with internal and external stakeholders ensuring optimal resource allocation and minimal downtime

Spearhead new equipment design coordination and integration with existing technology infrastructure and resource allocation

Champion comprehensive safety management protocols to eliminate workplace risks and maintain zero-accident operations

Develop and implement performance KPI frameworks and individual development plans for team members

Ensure all engineering work complies with Glencore's stringent requirements and MUMI SAFEWORK V2 standards

Lead environmental management compliance initiatives aligning with Glencore's environmental requirements and MUMI SARL's environmental policy

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering or similar field Master of Business Administration would be an advantage

Experience

A minimum of 10 (ten) years of relevant work experience in the mining industry, including a minimum of 2 years as a field engineer, 3 years of experience in engineering management

Required Skills

Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Time Management Skills Proven leadership and people management skills DRC and Africa Experience an advantage Good command of English and exceptional intercultural communication skills (French would be an advantage)

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global mining industry is experiencing unprecedented demand for copper and cobalt driven by the electric vehicle revolution and renewable energy infrastructure expansion. The Democratic Republic of Congo controls approximately 70% of global cobalt reserves, making operations like Mutanda Mining strategically critical to the global supply chain. This positioning creates significant opportunities for maintenance professionals who can ensure optimal plant availability and production efficiency. Mining companies are increasingly adopting predictive maintenance technologies and digital asset management systems to minimize unplanned downtime and optimize equipment lifecycle costs. The integration of IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, and advanced analytics is transforming traditional maintenance approaches from reactive to predictive models, creating demand for maintenance managers who can bridge traditional engineering expertise with digital transformation initiatives. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements are becoming paramount in mining operations, particularly in Africa where international oversight and compliance standards are intensifying. Companies like Glencore are investing heavily in sustainable mining practices, requiring maintenance managers who can balance operational efficiency with environmental compliance and community impact considerations.

Role Significance

Typically manages a maintenance team of 50-100+ personnel including maintenance supervisors, technicians, planners, and contractors across multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation). The role involves coordinating with external contractors, suppliers, and internal departments, requiring strong stakeholder management and matrix management capabilities in a complex operational environment.

This is a senior management position reporting directly to the General Manager-Processing, placing the role holder within the senior leadership team of the operation. The position carries significant P&L responsibility for maintenance costs and equipment availability, with direct impact on the plant's operational performance and profitability. The role requires strategic thinking combined with operational execution capabilities, positioning it as a critical leadership function within the organization.

Key Projects

Major plant shutdowns and turnarounds involving multi-million dollar investments and complex logistics coordination Implementation of predictive maintenance programs and digital asset management systems Capital equipment installation and commissioning projects for plant optimization Development and execution of long-term asset management strategies and equipment replacement programs Safety system upgrades and environmental compliance projects

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance operational availability targets with cost optimization in a high-stakes mining environment where equipment downtime directly impacts revenue and production targets. Success requires sophisticated understanding of maintenance economics and risk-based decision making. Strong intercultural leadership capabilities essential for managing diverse teams in a challenging international environment while maintaining high performance standards and safety compliance. The ability to work effectively across cultural boundaries and language barriers is critical for team cohesion and operational success. Technical expertise in hydrometallurgical processes and sulfuric acid manufacturing combined with modern maintenance management principles including reliability-centered maintenance, predictive technologies, and asset lifecycle management. The complexity of the operation requires deep technical understanding paired with strategic management capabilities. Proven track record in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, particularly in coordinating major shutdowns and projects that require precise timing, resource allocation, and risk management. The ability to influence without direct authority and manage competing priorities is essential for success.

Market Demand

High demand driven by critical mineral supply chain importance, limited pool of experienced mining maintenance professionals with African operations experience, and the strategic nature of copper-cobalt operations in the global energy transition. The combination of technical expertise requirements and willingness to work in challenging international locations creates a competitive talent market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Leadership and people management skills are paramount given the complexity of managing diverse teams in challenging international environments while maintaining safety and performance standards. The ability to inspire and direct multicultural teams through difficult operational challenges directly impacts organizational success and employee safety. Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities are essential for managing complex maintenance decisions involving significant capital investments, safety considerations, and production impacts. The ability to analyze data, assess risks, and make informed decisions under pressure determines operational success and cost optimization. Intercultural communication skills and language capabilities (English/French) are critical for effective stakeholder management, team leadership, and regulatory compliance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Success requires navigation of complex cultural dynamics and communication across multiple languages and cultural contexts.

Beneficial Skills

Digital maintenance technologies and predictive analytics capabilities are increasingly valuable as the mining industry embraces Industry 4.0 technologies for asset optimization and cost reduction Project management certification and experience would enhance capability to manage major shutdowns, capital projects, and technical implementations Understanding of ESG principles and environmental management systems is becoming increasingly important for career advancement in major mining companies Commercial acumen and cost management expertise would strengthen the ability to balance operational requirements with financial objectives in a P&L accountable role

Unique Aspects

Exposure to world-class hydrometallurgical and sulfuric acid manufacturing processes in one of the world's most significant copper-cobalt operations, providing rare technical experience in critical mineral processing

Opportunity to work in the heart of the global cobalt supply chain during the electric vehicle revolution, positioning the role holder at the center of the energy transition

Management experience in challenging international environment with complex logistical, regulatory, and cultural considerations that accelerate leadership development

Direct involvement in operations critical to global supply chains for renewable energy and electric vehicle industries, providing unique market insights and strategic perspective

Career Growth

Career progression to General Manager level typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, given the strategic importance of the role and the experience gained in African mining operations. The specialized nature of copper-cobalt processing and the scarcity of experienced professionals in this field accelerates career advancement opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

General Manager - Processing or Operations within Glencore or other major mining companies, representing the natural progression to overall plant management and P&L responsibility Regional Maintenance Manager overseeing multiple mining operations across Africa or other international markets, leveraging African operations experience Technical Services Manager or Engineering Manager roles focusing on asset optimization and technical excellence across mining portfolios Senior consulting roles with mining engineering firms specializing in African operations and maintenance optimization

Company Overview

Glencore

Glencore is one of the world's largest diversified natural resource companies and commodity traders, with a market capitalization exceeding $60 billion and operations across more than 35 countries. The company is a major player in copper, cobalt, zinc, and other critical minerals essential to the energy transition. Mutanda Mining represents one of Glencore's flagship African operations, strategically positioned in the heart of the Copperbelt region with significant reserves and processing capabilities.

Glencore ranks among the top 3 global mining companies by revenue and holds dominant market positions in several critical commodities. The company's integrated business model combining mining operations with global commodity trading provides unique market insights and risk management capabilities. Glencore's position as a major cobalt producer makes it strategically important to the global electric vehicle and battery supply chains.

The Democratic Republic of Congo represents a cornerstone of Glencore's African operations, with the company being one of the largest foreign investors in the country's mining sector. The Mutanda operation is strategically located in the Lualaba province, at the heart of the world's most significant cobalt and copper reserves. This positioning provides access to world-class ore bodies and established infrastructure, though operations require navigation of complex regulatory and logistical challenges.

Glencore's work environment emphasizes safety excellence, operational efficiency, and commercial acumen. The company culture blends Swiss precision with entrepreneurial flexibility, encouraging innovation and calculated risk-taking. International assignments like Mutanda attract high-caliber professionals seeking challenging opportunities and accelerated career development in a multicultural environment with significant autonomy and responsibility.

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Process Plant Maintenance Manager - Job Opportunity at Glencore

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Glencore

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence