We are one of the world's largest producers and marketers of copper with our mining, refining and recycling operations and development projects within the key mining regions of Africa, Australia, Philippines & Americas.

Manager – Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrogeology
Glencore Copper
Johannesburg, South Africa

Glencore Copper is seeking a Manager – Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrogeology to lead and standardise geotechnical engineering practices across our global Copper operations. This role will be based in our Melrose Arch office in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will provide strategic technical leadership across our operations and projects in Africa.

Glencore Copper

We are one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of copper, with mining operations and development projects in key mining regions across Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

Our Team

The African Regional Technical Services team supports existing and future operations and projects. This team plays a pivotal role in delivering best-practice operational performance and long-term strategy at our assets while driving Glencore’s ambitious growth agenda. This role offers a significant opportunity to work in a high-performance environment, supporting world-class operations and projects across Africa.

The Opportunity

The Manager – Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrogeology is accountable for implementing geotechnical engineering standards across Glencore’s Copper operating sites and development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, rollout, and governance of Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Engineering Standards, Guidelines, and Reporting.
• Provide geotechnical support to existing African copper operations and projects.
• Oversee geotechnical project delivery, ensuring quality, technical accuracy, and adherence to standards and timelines.
• Lead a team of technical experts in evaluating the geotechnical quality of production, MROR estimates, and reports, while identifying associated technical risks.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and geotechnical support to Operational Leaders, Project Teams, Regional Teams, and Corporate Functions.
• Conduct benchmarking and best practice studies across Glencore operations.
• Travel to Glencore-owned sites and other sites globally as required.

Operating Context

• Implement Geotechnical Engineering Standards and Guidelines.
• Maintain a Geotechnical Management System / Framework.
• Conduct geotechnical audits and risk assessments.
• Provide independent review of Resource Development Plans, Life of Asset Plans, and MROR.
• Develop a succession plan and talent pool to meet organisational needs over the next five years.
• Ensure compliance with Glencore’s Corporate Copper MROR estimation and reporting guidelines.

Control Elements

• Glencore Group Standards and Guidelines.
• Business and Budget Planning Standards and Guidelines.
• Geotechnical / Rock Engineering & Hydrogeology Standards and Guidelines.
• Geotechnical Management System / Framework.
• Ore Reserve Estimation and Reporting Guidelines.
• Project Reviews and Due Diligences.
• Operations Monitoring and Integrated Technical Planning.

Technical Standards

• Develop and maintain technical standards and guidelines, including:
  • Geotechnical Engineering Standard
  • Geotechnical Engineering Guidelines
  • Geotechnical Management System / Framework
  • Geotechnical Data Collection
  • Geotechnical Design (Open Pit & Underground)
  • Geotechnical Reconciliation
• Standardise geotechnical processes and integrate them into Glencore’s operating model.
• Harmonise data and technical systems across operations.

Technical Governance and Assurance

• Support sites and regional teams in annual HSEC Geotechnical Audits.
• Manage the Geotechnical Review Board (GRB) process for Copper assets and projects.
• Lead and support independent technical reviews of projects and operations.
• Implement Glencore’s Copper Geotechnical Risk Management process and reporting.
• Provide geotechnical input at project tollgate/maturity assessments.
• Maintain Glencore Copper Department geotechnical standards and guidelines.
• Develop benchmark data from existing Glencore operations for due diligence and project reviews.
• Provide geotechnical support to business development initiatives.
• Develop a talent pool and succession plan to ensure future leadership in geotechnical engineering.

Technical Systems

• Develop and implement standard geotechnical systems for data collection, monitoring, and design for application in both new projects and existing operations.

Your Training, Skills & Expertise

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 20+ years of experience in mining operations, corporate engineering, or consulting.
• High degree of technical expertise in open pit and underground geotechnical engineering.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence decision-making.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced geotechnical engineering degree (Master's or PhD) is an advantage.
• Bilingual in French/English is an advantage

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Glencore is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Through our IDEAL framework (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advancement, and Local), Glencore is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can achieve their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds. We aim to ensure that all perspectives and cultures, however numerous and varied, are welcomed, essential to our operations, and respected by each of our employees. We treat all our employees fairly and with dignity. Join us in championing IDEAL, where inclusivity unlocks potential and fuels high performance.