Vacancy open until 10/11/2026
ROLE PURPOSE:
Reporting to the General Manager, Balama Graphite Operation, the Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable and cost-effective maintenance of the fixed plant, power generation systems, and associated infrastructure at the Balama Graphite Operation (“BGO”).
The role leads all maintenance disciplines to maximise plant availability, operational performance and asset lifecycle value. Additionally, the role supports the mobile fleet maintenance function of the mining contractor through management of the Inventory warehouse function.
The position plays a critical role in maximising plant availability and performance through effective maintenance strategy, strong leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Safety, Risk and Governance
· Provide visible leadership to ensure all maintenance activities are conducted safely and in compliance with Company standards, statutory requirements and site procedures.
· Ensure critical controls, risk management processes, permits and safe systems of work are effectively embedded within maintenance activities.
· Lead maintenance-related incident investigations, risk reviews, emergency preparedness, and corrective action programs.
· Foster a culture of accountability, ethical decision-making and disciplined record keeping across the maintenance function.
· Ensure maintenance activities comply with environmental obligations, site permits and Company Environment, Social & Governance (“ESG”) commitments, while promoting sustainable and responsible operating practices.
· Support site ESG objectives through effective management of environmental risks, resource efficiency initiatives and participation in audit and assurance programs.
Maintenance Operations & Asset Reliability
· Lead all maintenance activities across the processing plant, power generation facilities and associated infrastructure to maximise asset reliability and operational performance.
· Provide leadership across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, reliability, planning and workshop disciplines.
· Develop and implement maintenance and asset management strategies, including preventative, predictive and condition-based maintenance programs.
· Drive reliability improvement initiatives through condition monitoring, root cause analysis, lifecycle management and continuous improvement programs.
· Ensure equipment defects, reliability risks and maintenance priorities are effectively identified, managed and resolved.
· Provide governance and strategic oversight of the mobile plant maintenance function, including fleet reliability, lifecycle planning, contractor performance and replacement strategies (if assigned).
Planning, Shutdowns & Systems
· Lead maintenance planning, scheduling and work management processes to ensure efficient execution of maintenance activities.
· Oversee major shutdowns and outages, ensuring work is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.
· Monitor maintenance performance, schedule compliance, backlog management and work quality, implementing corrective actions where required.
· Ensure the integrity and effective utilisation of the site Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Pronto
Commercial, Supply & Contractor Management
· Develop and manage operating and capital maintenance budgets, forecasts and cost improvement initiatives.
· Manage maintenance expenditure, including labour, contractors, shutdowns, materials and major component replacement activities.
· Ensure critical spares, consumables and repairable components are available to support operational reliability while optimising inventory levels.
· Manage maintenance contractors, original equipment manufacturers and service providers to achieve safe, cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.
· Develop capital replacement and major maintenance business cases supported by lifecycle, risk and cost-benefit analysis.
Leadership & Capability Development
· Lead, coach and develop a high-performing maintenance team, building capability, accountability and leadership depth across the organisation.
· Support workforce localisation strategies through mentoring, succession planning and development of Mozambican employees.
· Review organisational structures, workforce capability and resourcing requirements to ensure the maintenance function remains fit for purpose.
· Promote effective collaboration between Maintenance, Processing, Mining, Technical Services, Supply, Projects and HSE teams.
· Demonstrated capability and willingness to act in a more senior role when required. This role is expected, at times, to act as the General Manager on site.
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
· Provide accurate and timely reporting on maintenance performance, costs, reliability risks, operational constraints and improvement initiatives to site management and corporate stakeholders.
· Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, equipment suppliers and external service providers to support operational success.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
· Proven experience in senior maintenance leadership roles within processing, mining, or heavy industrial environments (exposure to graphite processing is highly desirable).
· Strong technical knowledge across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, power generation, and instrumentation systems.
· Demonstrated experience in reliability engineering and condition monitoring techniques.
· Experience in shutdown planning and execution within complex plant environments.
· Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, budgets, critical spares and capital programs.
· Strong contractor management and stakeholder engagement skills.
· Ability to lead, develop, and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic operational setting.
· Strong understanding of maintenance strategies, asset lifecycle management, and cost optimisation.
· Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills.
· Experience working in Mozambique or another African operating environment and Portuguese language skills (desirable).