Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

The Company
ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is part of the global steel giant ArcelorMittal, committed to leading the way in steel production with a focus on safety, sustainability, quality, and leadership.  The AML project is unique to ArcelorMittal’s mining portfolio in that this was the first greenfield mine the company operated. 
 
ArcelorMittal mine, Mount Gangra, is considered one the most beautiful mining environments in the world. It consists of a massive deposit of good-quality iron ore and is situated near the town of Yekepa. Iron ore is then transported to nearby Tokadeh, also in the Nimba mountain range. From Tokadeh the ore is transported by rail to Buchanan for eventual shipment out of Liberia.
 
ArcelorMittal currently undergoing a massive Phase II expansion project which is set to be a game changer. The project, with a capacity of 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate, is making steady progress and is expected to be commissioned in Q4 2024.  The project consists of a state-of-the-art concentrator plant along with augmentation of the existing rail and port infrastructure to support the production and shipping of concentrated ore. The project will also have a positive impact on the local economy, with significant infrastructure upgrades, including road development, being taken up as part of the project.
 
Join us at ArcelorMittal Liberia, where your work will contribute to redefining steel for a new generation, driving innovation, and embracing diversity.
 
The Role
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) will play a pivotal role in providing strategic direction and leadership to the Technical Services team, ensuring the seamless delivery of technical support to the Operations team. This includes overseeing key areas such as Mine Planning and Exploration, Engineering Services and Shutdown Planning, Operational Business Improvement, Projects, and Production Quality Control. The CTO will report directly to the CEO and serve as the technical leader across a wide array of mining operations, including fleet sizing, geotechnical and hydrogeological studies, drill and blast strategies, and Mine-to-Mill projects.
In this role, the CTO will be responsible for executing the business plan for Technical Services, ensuring that all budget objectives are met safely and sustainably. A strong focus will be placed on delivering financial and operational targets through the application of strict operational discipline.
Additionally, the CTO will collaborate with the CTO Mining Team during the annual MRMR process. This includes planning, implementing, and successfully closing all activities necessary to prepare and transition the Technical Services functions—including Geology, Drill & Blast, Mine Planning, and Geotechnical Engineering—through the successful execution of business preparedness initiatives. The CTO will ensure the smooth transition from DSO operations to a sustainable 15 Mt/y concentrate production model.
Further responsibilities will include managing tailings and deposition plans, environmental controls, as well as overseeing the site’s ongoing rehabilitation and mine closure efforts.
 
The Key Responsibilities
·        Ensure the Technical Services team is operationally ready post-project, with the necessary resources, systems, and processes to support safe and sustainable operations.
·        Develop and execute a 2-year Business Preparedness Plan supporting the 5-year AML Business Plan, achieving Technical Services KPIs, Health & Safety, Production Volumes, and Cost targets.
·        Implement systems to ensure governance, operational discipline, and optimal use of equipment and infrastructure to meet annual plans and budgets.
·        Align Technical Services activities with AML’s strategy, focusing on Employee Wellbeing, Health & Safety, and Environmental compliance.
·        Build and lead geotechnical and drill & blast engineering teams, establishing risk assessment programs and developing drill pattern standards.
·        Own the 5-year Strategic Plan and oversee Capital Applications.
·        Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and oversee site rehabilitation, tailings management, and mine closure plans.
·        Manage training and coaching for all department employees, with a focus on National and Local employee development.
·        Ensure all employees receive feedback from performance assessments and participate in formal reviews.
·        Prepare the 5-Year Business Plan, Annual Operating Plans, and budgets for Technical Services.
·        Oversee the submission and approval process for Project Capital Requests.
 
The Requirements
·        A Bachelor’s Degree / Relevant Tertiary Qualification.
·        A Post Graduate Management Qualification e.g., MBA, Advanced Business / Finance-related degree is advantageous.
·        Strong understanding of mineral processing, metallurgy, and plant operations.
·        Proven track record and relevant experience at a senior leadership level in Mining Operations / Technical Services.
·        Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience with at least 3 years in a similar Senior role.
·        Demonstrated and measurable application of continuous operational improvement ideas that respond to the operational, discipline or function.
·        Proven technical services Business Preparedness experience at a senior level on brownfields operations undergoing a large-scale project execution transition phase.
·        Prior experience in similar operational roles in Africa, particularly West or Central, with demonstrated and measurable positive outcomes will be an advantage.
 
The Rewards
·        The position offers a 2-year contract with a competitive remuneration package on single status with a 7-3 FIFO roster. 
·        Full accommodation is provided on-site, including secure facilities and meals.
 
Contact Us
Please apply directly by submitting your resume, preferably as a Microsoft Word document