Group Principal Tailings Engineer

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the "First Quantum Way". Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results. Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That is how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations. First Quantum Minerals is a leading Canadian-based global mining & metals company focused on the production of copper, nickel, gold & cobalt. As a company, we strive for continuous excellence and after 25 years of operations we are now one of the world's top 10 copper producers, exporting millions of tonnes of concentrate from multiple countries to customers worldwide. Our operations and future developments span across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas, and we are globally recognised for our specialist technical, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to unlock value from complex mineral projects and deliver rewarding careers for our people, returns for our shareholders and sustainable development for the many local communities that host our operations. As we expand our operations, continue to provide metals to build the modern world and shift to a low‑carbon, greener economy in the years ahead, our mining projects will continue to require the best and the brightest talent to help us solve the emerging challenges of our time, shape our business and unlock opportunities for our future. Key Responsibilities Work to continually improve group alignment to ICOLD, GISTM and relevant standards Perform a Corporate EoR role for our Zambia TSFs and EoR for our British Columbia closed site Pro‑actively support site conformance to the Tailings and Dams Management System Provide technical guidance and support on dams and tailings management related issues Help to ensure internal reporting from the sites is complete and available Engage with mine and project sites on tailings and water dams work scopes, expectations and performance of Engineers of Record and Consultants engaged at site level Provide direct support to sites on quality, stewardship, risk assessment and reporting Provide SME support to site risk assessments and development of critical controls Ensure site operating, maintenance and surveillance manuals and emergency preparedness and response plans are kept up to date, relevant and effective Ensure Designs, Construction Records, Construction vs Design Intent Verification, DSI inspections and TARP processes are in place at the sites, suitably approved and effective Support tailings facility plan development at site level, including mass balances, deposition plans and water balance Interact with engineering, environment and processing departments during site visits Pro‑actively continue your professional development and promote the same for site personnel via the FQM Learning & Development initiatives in tailings and water dams Mentor site personnel on dams inspections, monitoring and operations improvement Assist sites, as needed, in their interactions and consultations with external entities Qualifications Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, with relevant Masters and PhD well regarded Registered, or immediately eligible to register and attain, Chartered Professional Engineer (Civil and/or Geotechnical), or equivalent, issued by a recognised industry organisation 12+ years of civil/geotechnical engineering experience across planning, design, construction, operations and monitoring of tailings and water dams, with direct site experience highly regarded Experience performing an EoR role for TSFs Demonstrated technical excellence in geotechnical engineering Understanding of tailings behaviour, technologies, geotechnical investigation methods and analyses, advanced soil mechanics, and surface and subsurface monitoring systems Proficient in the use of specialised geotechnical software (eg. GeoStudio, Plaxis, FLAC) Demonstrated Project Management skills Strong attention to detail and a structured, logical approach to problem‑solving TSF inspections experience, including DSRs and DSI’s is essential, with water dam experience well regarded Understanding of permitting and legislative processes, and a broad knowledge of best‑practice guidelines from ANCOLD, CDA, ICOLD, MAC, ICMM, GISTM Ability to influence sound outcomes whilst developing and maintaining strong relationships Experience working with external specialists such as EoR, risk engineers and with regulators Excellent communication, leadership, mentoring, writing, interpersonal, presentation and time‑management skills Other Requirements Candidates must have the right to work in the applicable region without visa sponsorship Can travel to FQM mine and project sites globally – approximately 25% international travel Fluent in spoken and written English; Spanish language skills additional and well regarded Comfortable working and driving manual‑transmission 4WD light vehicles in a variety of environments, including left‑ and right‑hand drive, rural, mine site, construction and remote sites Core Values & Behavioural Profile We work Bolder, Smarter, Driven, Together. BOLDER – Comfortable in an atmosphere where freedom, flexibility and challenging convention is ingrained into the culture DRIVEN – Versatile, thrives in a challenging environment; strong ability to navigate complexity, operate with minimal bureaucracy and act strategically; highly flexible and adaptable to fast‑changing priorities SMARTER – Exercises sound judgment, takes initiative and works with minimal supervision; promotes a continuous‑improvement mindset; sees the big picture and takes an objective view DRIVEN – Focused, detail‑orientated, well organised, efficiency‑driven self‑starter; aspires for excellence, setting high standards and taking accountability for performance TOGETHER – Calm, confident and collaborative; professional demeanour; willingness to perform work scope outside of the core responsibilities; strong influencing and decision‑making capability; exceptional interpersonal skills; develops and sustains relationships and trust across cultures Benefits & Working Environment Diverse, challenging and extraordinary working environment where safety is a number one priority Opportunity to develop within a growing company that is currently one of the world’s top 10 copper producers Highly competitive base compensation & financial incentives (discretionary bonuses & long‑term share plan) Leave options aligned with local market best practice Performance‑over‑presence culture & flexible working environment as per business requirements Diversity & Inclusion – Committed to embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion into our culture, company and practices, ensuring an environment of equity irrespective of race, gender, age, religion, identity or experience Office or Operations Location: Johannesburg (Flexible working – 3 office days & 2 WFH days) Application Process Follow us for the latest news on LinkedIn. If you are already a First Quantum employee and have access to the First Quantum network, log into First Quantum MINE. Careers to apply internally for this opportunity. If you are an employee without network access, contact your Site Recruiter. #J-18808-Ljbffr