Project Manager – Sandvik

About Sandvik

Sandvik is a global leader in mining and rock excavation technology, delivering innovative equipment, tools, digital solutions, and aftermarket services to the mining and infrastructure industries. The company is committed to safety, operational excellence, sustainability, and helping customers maximize productivity through world-class engineering solutions.

Sandvik is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead maintenance execution activities at its Lumwana contract site.

About the Role

The Project Manager will be responsible for leading, planning, coordinating, and delivering maintenance projects safely, efficiently, and within approved scope, budget, and timelines. The successful candidate will oversee all maintenance execution activities, ensuring planned and unplanned work is completed effectively while meeting operational and contractual performance targets.

This is a critical site-based leadership position focused on execution control, resource management, stakeholder coordination, and continuous performance improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Execution & Operational Control

• Act as the single point of authority for all maintenance execution activities.

• Prioritise and control planned maintenance, preventive maintenance (PM), breakdown repairs, and daily service work.

• Make real-time decisions regarding work prioritisation, manpower allocation, and shift execution.

Breakdown Management

• Lead all breakdown response activities across open-pit mining operations.

• Mobilise maintenance teams and resources quickly to minimise equipment downtime.

• Improve Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) while maintaining safe working practices.

• Ensure efficient and effective field maintenance operations.

Planned Maintenance

• Oversee disciplined execution of preventive and planned maintenance activities.

• Maintain high PM compliance while balancing breakdown priorities.

• Collaborate with maintenance planners to ensure work readiness and execution efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Lead and supervise Breakdown Foremen and Workshop Foremen.

• Promote accountability and standardised maintenance practices.

• Eliminate siloed decision-making between workshop and field operations.

• Foster teamwork and continuous improvement across maintenance teams.

Resource & Shift Management

• Allocate maintenance personnel effectively between workshop and pit operations.

• Manage resources across planned and emergency maintenance activities.

• Ensure effective staffing for day, night, and FIFO (21/7 rotational) shifts.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with company safety standards and procedures.

• Promote safe work practices in lifting operations, welding, fabrication, and field repairs.

• Drive continuous improvement in workplace safety performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Turnaround Control Lead.

• Product Master.

• Parts & Readiness teams.

Ensure alignment between maintenance planning, technical support, spare parts availability, and execution activities.

Performance Management

Drive improvements in:

• Equipment availability.

• Breakdown response times.

• Maintenance execution efficiency.

• Downtime reporting and classification.

• Overall operational performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Engineering Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, or an equivalent technical qualification.

• Trade certification or OEM equipment experience will be an added advantage.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• Proven leadership experience in maintenance execution within mining or heavy equipment environments.

• Strong background in breakdown management and field maintenance operations.

• Experience managing multi-shift teams in remote or FIFO environments.

• Experience working with mining service contracts or OEM maintenance operations.

• Exposure to turnaround projects or operational performance recovery initiatives.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of maintenance execution processes.

• Knowledge of planned and breakdown maintenance strategies.

• Experience with heavy mining equipment and machinery.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

• Strong decision-making ability under pressure.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to allocate resources efficiently and prioritise competing demands.

• Results-driven mindset with strong focus on operational excellence.

Role Context

• Site-based position at Lumwana Mine.

• FIFO / rotational work environment.

• High-pressure operational turnaround environment.

• Requires strong field presence across workshop and open-pit operations.

Success Measures

The successful candidate will be expected to achieve:

• Effective maintenance execution across all shifts.

• Reduced equipment downtime and improved MTTR.

• Improved preventive maintenance compliance.

• Better collaboration between workshop and pit maintenance teams.

• Increased equipment reliability and availability.

What Sandvik Offers

Sandvik offers:

• An exciting career within a leading global engineering company.

• Exposure to international mining operations.

• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.

• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.

• The opportunity to work with innovative products and highly experienced professionals.

• A workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Job Summary

1. Employer: Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
   Position: Project Manager
   Location: Lumwana Mine Site, Solwezi, Zambia
   Employment Type: Full-time
   Reference Number: R0094303
   Industry: Mining / Engineering / Maintenance Management