Ops - Shift Superintendent

Location: Yekepa, Liberia / Site-based (shift roster)
Department: Operations Processing Plant
Job Type: Full-time / Shift-Based

The Operations Process Section Shift Superintendent is responsible for leading and coordinating all processing plant operations during a designated shift. This role ensures safe, efficient, and continuous production by supervising section operators, monitoring plant performance, managing process deviations, and maintaining strong communication with maintenance, technical, and management teams.

• Lead and supervise all plant operations personnel on shift (Control Room Operators, Field Operators, Process Technicians).

• Conduct pre-shift briefings, allocate tasks, and ensure clear communication.

• Act as the highest operational authority on site during the shift.

• Ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production plans.

• Oversee operation of all plant sections including:

  • Crushing & Screening

  • Milling & Classification

  • Magnetic separation / Flotation (as applicable)

  • Thickening & Dewatering

  • Water circuits, tailings, and utilities

• Continuously monitor process parameters in the control room and field to maintain stability and optimize throughput, recovery, and product quality.

• Respond quickly to process upsets, equipment failures, and abnormal conditions.

• Enforce safety procedures, LOTO, and permit-to-work systems.

• Conduct field inspections, risk assessments, and safety audits during the shift.

• Lead incident responses and ensure accurate reporting.

• Promote a strong safety culture and correct unsafe behaviors immediately.

• Communicate equipment issues with maintenance supervisors and planners.

• Approve and coordinate maintenance interventions during the shift.

• Provide feedback to metallurgists or process engineers on operational performance and improvement opportunities.

• Support shutdowns, startups, and commissioning activities.

• Complete shift reports covering production, downtimes, delays, safety concerns, and process deviations.

• Update logs, handover notes, and key indicators for the next shift.

• Ensure proper communication of outstanding issues to management.

• Identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions to improve throughput, recovery, energy efficiency, and plant stability.

• Support training and development of operators to build a strong competency base.

• Participate in root-cause analyses and improvement projects.

• Diploma or Degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or relevant technical field.

• 10+ years experience in processing plant operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or shift leadership role.

• Strong understanding of iron ore beneficiation or similar continuous processing operations.

• Experience supervising multicultural teams in remote mining environments.

• Excellent knowledge of control room operations (DCS/SCADA) and field operations.

• Experience with Siemens PCS7, ABB, Yokogawa, or similar control systems.

• Strong troubleshooting and decision-making skills under pressure.

• Knowledge of production reporting systems and KPIs.

• Background in operational readiness or plant commissioning (advantageous).

• Strong leadership and communication abilities

• High safety awareness and discipline

• Quick decision-making and excellent situational awareness

• Strong technical understanding of mineral processing

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

• Good interpersonal skills and teamwork orientation

• Reliable, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement