Job Title: Operations Manager – FIFO Africa
Location: West Africa (Multiple Drill Rig Sites)
Industry: Mineral Exploration Drilling
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Role:
In response to significant growth, our client, a leading provider of drilling services, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead and optimise multi-site drilling operations across Africa. This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly expanding team committed to operational excellence, safety, and innovation within the mineral exploration and mining industry.
This role requires deep operational knowledge of both surface and underground drilling environments, leadership across multiple rig teams, financial oversight, and a commitment to developing teams and systems for long-term success.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Management
- Supervise day-to-day drilling operations across multiple sites with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement
- Coordinate drilling schedules, rig allocation, and workforce deployment across multiple locations
- Plan, mobilise, and execute the start-up and close-out of drilling projects
- Manage rig movement logistics, equipment readiness, and manpower planning
- Ensure operational targets and project deliverables are achieved
Team Leadership & Performance
- Lead, mentor, and manage multi-rig drilling teams and field supervisors
- Conduct performance assessments and support KPI development initiatives
- Coordinate workforce training and development programs
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and safety-focused culture
Financial & Commercial Management
- Develop and manage operational budgets and forecasting activities
- Monitor daily operational costs and drive margin improvement initiatives
- Ensure efficient allocation of manpower, equipment, and resources
- Support operational reporting and commercial performance reviews
Supply Chain & Asset Management
- Optimise supply chain planning and consumable usage in remote operations
- Oversee stock control, inventory forecasting, and site requisition systems
- Collaborate with technical and maintenance teams to ensure fleet and equipment readiness
- Improve operational systems and processes, including ERP utilisation
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Lead the implementation of HSE programs and company safety initiatives
- Ensure compliance with company standards and local regulations
- Analyse operational and HSE data to identify areas for improvement
- Conduct corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives across sites
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and contractors
- Deliver high standards of customer service and operational communication
- Support contract reviews, operational reporting, and stakeholder engagement
- Maintain strong collaboration across operational and support teams
Requirements:
- 10–15+ years of experience managing drilling operations within mining and exploration environments
- Proven experience in both surface and underground drilling operations
- Strong background managing multi-rig and multi-site drilling teams
- Demonstrated success in budgeting, cost control, and operational planning
- Strong understanding of supply chain management, stock control, and inventory forecasting
- Experience leading HSE initiatives, safety programs, and performance management systems
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAGE and operational reporting tools
- Experience working within Africa or similar multicultural and remote environments is highly desirable
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline preferred
- Valid Passport, medical fitness, and Yellow Fever Vaccination required
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to lead high-impact drilling operations across Africa
- Long-term career growth within a rapidly expanding organisation
- Exposure to large-scale exploration and mining projects
- Strong organisational commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence