Lead specialist mining engineer - corporate development

Our client is currently seeking a Lead specialist mining engineer - corporate development.

Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with operations in Australia, South Africa, Ghana, Peru, Canada and Chile. At Gold Fields, we are committed to building an inclusive workforce and recognize that the diversity of our employees’ talents is a key driver of our growth, performance and success.

This role within the Corporate Development Function offers the opportunity to shape the future portfolio by testing concepts and developing mine design and optimisation solutions across open pit and underground opportunities. Supporting growth, due diligence, and asset transformation studies, the role applies practical engineering judgement to convert limited or conceptual technical information into mining scenarios that inform strategic investment and portfolio decisions.

This is a high-impact corporate role where you will work alongside leading technical and commercial experts, influence major growth decisions, and contribute directly to the evolution of our global asset portfolio. Operating in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will be challenged, developed, and exposed to opportunities that accelerate both your technical capability and career growth.

Join the Gold Fields team!

Position Overview

Responsible for mine planning, design, scheduling, and optimisation across open pit and underground projects in support of growth, due diligence, and asset-transformational studies. You bring hands-on experience across multiple mining methods and jurisdictions, applies sound engineering judgement from conceptual to detailed level, and produces fit-for-purpose mine plans and schedules that directly inform decisions on growth opportunities and strategic studies.

Task and responsibilities

• Review data room information including resource and reserve statements, block models, geological databases, mine designs, schedules, costs, and technical reports;
• Critically assess third-party mine plans, schedules, and cost estimates; identify errors, inconsistencies, and value leakage;
• Develop mine designs and schedules from conceptual to detailed level across open pit and underground projects and multiple mining methods;
• Conduct optimisation studies to determine economically viable mining sequences and strategic scenarios;
• Develop and optimise long-term mine plans for cash flow, mine life, and NPV using advanced scheduling software;
• Integrate mining, processing, and infrastructure constraints into schedule and optimisation models;
• Generate schedules and cost inputs for financial modelling and investment decisions;
• Conduct thorough due diligence across technical, operational, and financial dimensions;
• Prepare decision-ready technical reports;
• Conduct site visits domestically and internationally as required;
• Work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary project teams.

Required qualifications

• Relevant university degree in Mining Engineering; postgraduate degree preferred;
• About 15 years of relevant professional experience across technical and operational roles;
• Demonstrated experience in both open pit and underground mining environments; multiple mining methods essential;
• Experience across multiple jurisdictions or regions; international project or site exposure required;
• Strong understanding of mine planning and scheduling across the full project lifecycle;
• Demonstrated ability to critically review third-party technical work and rapidly identify errors and inconsistencies;
• Strong understanding of a variety of mineral deposits and commodities; gold considered an asset;
• Proficiency in mine optimisation methods - pit shell optimisation, stope optimisation, cut-off grade optimisation, strategic schedule optimisation, and value-based sequencing;
• Proficiency in industry-standard optimisation and scheduling tools (Deswik, Whittle, Stope Optimiser, Minemax, NPV Scheduler or similar);
• French and/or Spanish considered an asset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus program
• Comprehensive group insurance (health, dental, life)
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Dynamic and international work environment
• Flexible hybrid work model
• Competitive vacation policy