Job Title: Operations Manager – FIFO Africa
Location: West Africa (Multiple Drill Rig Sites)
Industry: Mineral Exploration Drilling
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role:

In response to significant growth, our client, a leading provider of drilling services, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead and optimise multi-site drilling operations across Africa. This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly expanding team committed to operational excellence, safety, and innovation within the mineral exploration and mining industry.

This role requires deep operational knowledge of both surface and underground drilling environments, leadership across multiple rig teams, financial oversight, and a commitment to developing teams and systems for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management

Supervise day-to-day drilling operations across multiple sites with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement
Coordinate drilling schedules, rig allocation, and workforce deployment across multiple locations
Plan, mobilise, and execute the start-up and close-out of drilling projects
Manage rig movement logistics, equipment readiness, and manpower planning
Ensure operational targets and project deliverables are achieved

Team Leadership & Performance

Lead, mentor, and manage multi-rig drilling teams and field supervisors
Conduct performance assessments and support KPI development initiatives
Coordinate workforce training and development programs
Foster a high-performance, accountable, and safety-focused culture

Financial & Commercial Management

Develop and manage operational budgets and forecasting activities
Monitor daily operational costs and drive margin improvement initiatives
Ensure efficient allocation of manpower, equipment, and resources
Support operational reporting and commercial performance reviews

Supply Chain & Asset Management

Optimise supply chain planning and consumable usage in remote operations
Oversee stock control, inventory forecasting, and site requisition systems
Collaborate with technical and maintenance teams to ensure fleet and equipment readiness
Improve operational systems and processes, including ERP utilisation

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Lead the implementation of HSE programs and company safety initiatives
Ensure compliance with company standards and local regulations
Analyse operational and HSE data to identify areas for improvement
Conduct corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives across sites

Client & Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and contractors
Deliver high standards of customer service and operational communication
Support contract reviews, operational reporting, and stakeholder engagement
Maintain strong collaboration across operational and support teams

Requirements:

10–15+ years of experience managing drilling operations within mining and exploration environments
Proven experience in both surface and underground drilling operations
Strong background managing multi-rig and multi-site drilling teams
Demonstrated success in budgeting, cost control, and operational planning
Strong understanding of supply chain management, stock control, and inventory forecasting
Experience leading HSE initiatives, safety programs, and performance management systems
Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAGE and operational reporting tools
Experience working within Africa or similar multicultural and remote environments is highly desirable
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline preferred
Valid Passport, medical fitness, and Yellow Fever Vaccination required

What’s on Offer:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to lead high-impact drilling operations across Africa
Long-term career growth within a rapidly expanding organisation
Exposure to large-scale exploration and mining projects
Strong organisational commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence

Operations Manager - FIFO Africa

Note For Candidate