Lead, Engineering Development - First Quantum Minerals (FQM)

About First Quantum Minerals

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is one of the world's leading mining companies, operating large-scale copper and nickel mines across several countries. In Zambia, FQM operates the Kansanshi and Sentinel mines, where innovation, operational excellence, and workforce development are at the core of its success.

The company is committed to creating opportunities for talented professionals while fostering a culture built on safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high performance.

Job Overview

First Quantum Minerals is seeking an experienced Lead, Engineering Development to drive engineering capability development across its operations in Solwezi. The successful candidate will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of competency-based development programmes that strengthen technical capability within Engineering, Maintenance, and Support Services.

The role plays a strategic part in developing engineering talent, supporting asset management excellence, workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational capability to ensure sustainable operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Competency Development

• Develop and implement engineering competency frameworks across Engineering, Maintenance, and Support Services.

• Maintain and update competency frameworks to align with operational requirements.

• Lead governance and implementation of engineering proficiency programmes.

• Integrate competency development into workforce planning initiatives.

• Monitor programme effectiveness through performance indicators and continuous improvement.

Workforce & Talent Development

• Design structured technical development programmes.

• Support career progression pathways for engineering personnel.

• Collaborate with engineering leaders, HR teams, and training departments.

• Identify capability gaps and recommend appropriate development initiatives.

• Support succession planning for critical engineering positions.

Asset Management & Reliability

• Promote best practices in asset management and reliability engineering.

• Support implementation of engineering standards and maintenance excellence initiatives.

• Ensure competency programmes align with operational reliability objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with site leadership and functional teams to deliver workforce capability programmes.

• Coordinate technical training initiatives across multiple departments.

• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved in engineering development.

Reporting & Performance

• Develop KPIs and performance dashboards for engineering development programmes.

• Analyse programme effectiveness and prepare reports for management.

• Recommend improvements based on performance data and operational requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong programme design and implementation skills.

• Excellent project management abilities.

• Experience engaging multiple stakeholders across business functions.

• Strong analytical and reporting skills.

• Coaching, mentoring, and facilitation expertise.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strategic thinking and workforce planning capability.

• Strong leadership and people development skills.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.

• Results-oriented approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience Required

Applicants should possess:

• Minimum 6–8 years' experience in engineering, maintenance, or mining operations.

• At least 3 years' experience developing and implementing competency-based engineering development programmes.

• 4–6 years' experience supporting Asset Management and Reliability initiatives.

• Proven experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Experience working with engineering competency frameworks and workforce planning.

• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience coordinating engineering training, assessments, and technical capability programmes.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Bachelor's Degree in:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Industrial Engineering

  • Or another related engineering discipline.

Added Advantage

• Postgraduate qualification in Engineering Management, Asset Management, Organisational Development, or a related field.

• Professional qualifications in Asset Management (ISO 55001), Reliability Engineering, or Workforce Development.

• Membership with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) or another recognised engineering body.

• TVETA accreditation or equivalent training qualification.

• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent).

• HR-related certifications in competency frameworks, job grading, or workforce planning.

Why Join First Quantum Minerals?

This role offers an opportunity to influence engineering capability development within one of Africa's leading mining organisations. The successful candidate will contribute to developing future engineering talent while supporting operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable business performance.

Job Summary

1. Position: Lead, Engineering Development.

2. Company: First Quantum Minerals (FQM).

3. Location: Solwezi, Zambia.

4. Employment Type: Full-Time.

5. Industry: Mining.

6. Category: Mining, Engineering / Training & Development.

7. Reference: JR18139.