Plant Maintenance Manager

About the role

First Quantum is recruiting a Plant Maintenance Manager in Solwezi to support the Engineering Manager in overseeing the maintenance, planning, reliability and optimisation of equipment and processes in a large processing plant. The role keeps engineering activities aligned with safety, environmental and operational standards while reducing downtime through effective planning, shutdown planning, supplier engagement and spare parts management.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and monitor preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and support reliability engineering initiatives.
• Coordinate with procurement and inventory teams on critical spare parts and implement condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Lead and develop a team of superintendents, including training, coaching, succession planning and addressing underperformance.
• Enforce safety protocols, run safety meetings, audits and inspections, and manage high-risk work and emergencies.
• Lead plant shutdowns, develop shutdown schedules and work scopes, and review them after completion.
• Manage the maintenance budget, assist with capital projects, and contribute to the departmental budget.
• Use CMMS for work management, track KPIs, and report maintenance trends and costs to senior management.
• Engage suppliers, vendors and contractors, review service contracts and build relationships with OEMs.
• Optimise plant performance with process engineers and implement reliability-centred maintenance for crushers and conveyors.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering, and a professional registration with the EIZ and ERB.
• Minimum 15 years of maintenance experience in processing or mining, with 7 years in senior leadership roles and at least 3 years as a manager.
• Current driver's licence; academic qualifications must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
• Experience in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment and as a visible, approachable leader.

Required skills

• In-depth knowledge of plant maintenance best practices and safety regulations.
• Proficiency with CMMS and data analysis tools.
• Ability to manage maintenance budgets, control costs and set up life-cycle costing models.
• Advanced PC skills and database experience.