Chief Projects and Technical Officer

About the Role

The Chief Projects and Technical Officer oversees the planning, execution, and assurance of all major mining and processing projects. The role manages the full project lifecycle, from feasibility to execution and handover, ensuring strict adherence to Stage Gate governance, cost, schedule, quality, and safety requirements. The CPTO embeds technical excellence, drives capital discipline, and ensures operational readiness across all development projects.

Responsibilities

Strategic and Technical Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's project delivery strategy and technical governance framework.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle (Gates 3 to 5) from feasibility through engineering, execution, and handover.
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, safety, environmental, and quality targets.
• Provide technical assurance across engineering, design, and construction disciplines.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and integration of global best practices.

Project Studies and Delivery

• Lead feasibility and engineering studies with strong technical and economic rigor.
• Coordinate EPC and EPCM contractors, consultants, and project management partners.
• Manage the execution of key capital projects and other strategic developments.
• Drive risk identification, mitigation, and management for all active projects.
• Oversee commissioning, handover, and operational readiness in collaboration with asset owners.

Project Controls and Readiness

• Set and maintain cost, schedule, and performance baselines for all projects.
• Implement project control tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
• Lead risk management and change control processes with Finance and Governance.
• Plan and manage operational readiness programs to ensure smooth transition to operations.

Technical Governance and Assurance

• Oversee engineering quality, standards, and technical integrity across projects.
• Review and validate studies, designs, and engineering deliverables before execution.
• Drive lessons learned, value engineering, and sustainability integration.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, environmental, and permitting requirements.

Governance and Compliance

• Report project performance and risks to the CEO and Board.
• Work with CFO and CGPO on investment papers, capital validation, and Gate approvals.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and ethical behavior within project teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mining, Mechanical, Civil, or Process Engineering.
• 15 years of experience delivering major mining or industrial projects, with at least 7 years in senior or executive leadership roles.
• Strong track record managing EPC and EPCM projects in mining, metals, or energy sectors.
• Experience implementing Stage Gate governance and technical assurance frameworks.
• Understanding of project finance, risk management, and operational readiness.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capability.

Required Skills

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Execution, translating strategy into capital efficient projects.
• Technical Excellence, ensuring engineering rigor across all activities.
• Risk Management, anticipating and managing project risks.
• Collaboration, engaging effectively with partners and internal teams.
• Safety Leadership, promoting safety, quality, and sustainability at every stage.

Preferred Skills

This role requires strong commercial awareness and understanding of the mining and resource development environment.