Moving towards Gold production in West Africa
We are partnering with an ambitious and growth-focused exploration and mine development ASX-listed company to appoint a Lead Operational Readiness Engineer to support the business in developing their gold project in West Africa.
With the fully funded project currently on schedule to achieve first production in mid-2027, our client is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business with a highly experienced board and management team with a proven track record in advancing projects through exploration, development and into production.
The Opportunity
In this Perth-based role of Lead Operational Readiness Engineer, reporting directly to the Project Director, you will take on a broad range of responsibilities, working towards ensuring a robust operational readiness framework that ensures the mine, and company, is fully prepared—organisationally, technically, and culturally—for a seamless transition from project construction into sustainable operations
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead the Operational Readiness Plan (ORP) aligned to project construction and commissioning milestones.
Coordinate with EPCM/construction teams to ensure facilities, equipment, and infrastructure are delivered "fit for operations."
Oversee competency development for pre‑operations and commissioning personnel.
Implement operational systems (Pronto, CMMS, mine planning, safety systems) and ensure they are ready before commissioning.
Lead development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance strategies, and emergency response plans.
Support commissioning teams with operator readiness, documentation, punch‑list closure, and acceptance criteria.
Identify and manage operational readiness risks and ensure compliance with host‑country regulatory requirements.
Work with stakeholders—regulators, community relations, local authorities—to ensure local content and ESG commitments are met.
Drive integration and coordination across all functions to ensure a smooth transition from construction to operational startup.
Candidate Profile
With substantial experience in mining operations and major project development across construction and commissioning phases, you will be a rapid learner with the ability to multiple task and prioritise workloads in an efficient, accurate and timely fashion.
You will also be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of engineering, construction, and commissioning workflows and their integration with future operational requirements as well as the proven capability in developing operational procedures, maintenance strategies, and governance frameworks.
Some exposure to working in West Africa, or similar environments, and experience of building and leading multi-disciplinary teams in culturally diverse settings will be highly regarded.
Why This Role?
Opportunity to join a fast-growing business with a fully funded near-term gold mine development in West Africa.
Impact project delivery of a significant project.
Perth-based opportunity with international exposure.
Please apply online to be considered for this opportunity.
For a confidential discussion please contact Jesper Munk @ j.-7.com.
All enquiries will be treated with strict confidence.