Director of Studies

Director of Studies & Delivery

Our client is a copper and gold miner company operating in Oman. Now we are looking for an Director of Studies & Delivery for its growing organization. The person will work in Muscat, Oman.

The Director – Studies & Delivery provides strategic and technical leadership for the front-end development of client's mining and processing projects. This executive position oversees the entire value identification and study lifecycle - from concept to final investment decision - ensuring projects are technically sound, economically viable, and execution-ready. The role will also provide oversight on the value realization during the execution and operational delivery.

The role leads feasibility studies & engineering, defines execution strategies, and ensures robust technical planning to transition projects into delivery, in alignment with client's technical governance framework, OIA investment policy and national development priorities. Working alongside the Director – Studies & Delivery, this role ensures that projects are ready for successful execution and handover, supporting client's commitment to capital efficiency, operational excellence, and value delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Development

• Lead the planning and execution of all technical studies (Scoping, PFS, DFS, FEED) across client's project portfolio.
• Translate corporate objectives into fit-for-purpose project development strategies aligned with stage-gate / FEL methodologies.
• Lead internal and third-party technical reviews, ensuring studies meet international reporting standards (e.g., JORC, NI
• Define project development pathways for upstream, midstream, and downstream assets under client's investment mandate.

Technical Study Management

• Ensure all studies comply with international reporting standards (JORC, NI , Omani regulations, and client technical governance.
• Direct and review engineering design, metallurgical testing, infrastructure assessments, and economic modelling.
• Coordinate internal and third-party inputs (EPCM firms, technical consultants, ESG experts) to deliver decision-quality study outputs.

Execution Strategy Formulation

• Develop contracting strategies, operation strategies, tendering frameworks, and execution methodologies to support transition to Gate 4 (execution).
• Lead the development of technical input into EPC/EPCM packages, construction strategies, and operational readiness plans.
• Collaborate with the Director – Project Controls & Readiness to align schedule baselines, cost estimates, and risk profiles.

Project Delivery Oversight

• Oversee project planning, contracting, and execution, ensuring compliance with delivery schedules and capital efficiency.
• Establish project delivery frameworks, including EPC/EPCM selection, project controls, and stakeholder reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure operational readiness plans and handover procedures are embedded in project execution.

Lifecycle Governance & Assurance

• Manage project development through Gates 0 to 3, ensuring technical and economic readiness for investment approval.
• Support CPTO in Gate 3 investment case validation and board-level technical reviews.
• Ensure study documentation supports due diligence, financing, permitting, and partner engagement processes.

Stakeholder & Risk Management

• Lead interface with Exploration, ESG, Investments, Finance, and Legal to ensure integrated project planning.
• Drive early identification and mitigation of technical, commercial, and regulatory risks.
• Maintain alignment with government stakeholders, JV partners, and community engagement priorities.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and study managers.
• Embed a culture of capital efficiency, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor Omani talent and contribute to national capacity-building objectives.

Role Alignment with Stage-Gate Process

G0–1 (Concept/Scoping)

Consulted – provides technical input on early scoping assumptions.

G2 (Pre-Feasibility)

Responsible – manages technical study development and validation.

G3 (Feasibility/Investment Decision)

Accountable – prepares feasibility package and reviews technical due diligence.

G4 (Execution/Construction)

Accountable – leads engineering and quality assurance.

G5 (Handover/Closure)

Responsible – ensures commissioning, operational readiness.

Qualifications

•
Bachelor's degree in Mining, Process, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; Master's or MBA preferred.

• PMP qualification is advantage

• Minimum 15 years of experience in mining and industrial project development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience in delivering full project lifecycle studies under FEL and stage-gate frameworks.

• Proficient in project definition, cost estimation (AACEI classifications), and execution strategy development.

• Deep understanding of JORC/NI 43-101, engineering design codes, and permitting frameworks.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and technical leadership across mining value chains
• Expertise in feasibility study management and execution readiness
• Deep understanding of contracting and operational planning
• Strong understanding in cost estimate development and risk management
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills
• High commitment to HSE, ESG, and ethical governance principles

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

ETHIC HR has "Private Recruitment Company" license from ISKUR. (The license number is 76, October 13, 2005)