Manager Refining Technology

The Manager Refining Technology provides strategic and operational leadership to the Refining Technology (Extractive Metallurgy) function ensuring the delivery of highquality multidisciplinary processing support across the Precious Metal and Base Metal Refineries as well as broader Group technology development initiatives. The role is accountable for mobilising and directing specialist capability to undertake critical routine and ad hoc work on behalf of support functions and operations ensuring all assigned tasks are executed according to defined scope specifications standards and schedules. This role leads the Extractive Metallurgy team oversees prioritisation of urgent and strategic technical work and ensures that the function consistently enables safe stable and optimised metallurgical performance in alignment with business objectives. The role reports to the Head of Refining Technology.

1. Performance and Delivery

• Support the Head of Refining Technology in maximising the value of Extractive Metallurgy services.
• Mentor and manage a high-performing team of Senior Specialist Metallurgists.
• Oversee the design and execution of detailed technical investigations aligned to the strategic intent of the business unit operation both at site and in the laboratory aimed at delivering a specified value for the business unit.
• Involve in investigations to optimise or understand a unit operation that is underperforming at the business unit. Performance of the unit operation is defined under fixed criteria however the methodologies and procedures employed to understand the performance are flexible and at the discretion of the Manager Refining Technology.
• Deliver accurate and relevant reports to support the identification of current and future value adding opportunities.
• Strategic Innovation: Benchmark against global leaders to identify and investigate emerging technologies relevant to Valterra Platinums refinery technical roadmap.
• Supports effectiveness and continuous improvement of productivity and value contribution within the assigned tasks.
• The Manager Refining Technology should be available for ad hoc task assignment requests by the Head of Refining Technology to mobilise and support the refineries directly on site in urgent situations.
• Cost management: Budget design and control Develop and manage the annual Extractive Metallurgy OPEX and CAPEX budgets ensuring technical investigations are delivered on budget. Conduct cost-benefit modelling evaluations where required.

Qualifications :

• BSc Chemistry (Honours) Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with relevant experience at a precious metal (PGMs) or base metal refinery (Cu/Ni).
• MSc or PhD in Chemistry Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering relevant to PGM and/or base metal hydrometallurgy/ Processing.

Experience:

• 10 years post qualification experience.

Technical knowledge (experience) required for role:

• Requisite experience/exposure to hydrometallurgical operations for the Base Metals and Platinum Group Metals through project work research and development or operational exposure would be considered advantageous.
• Demonstratable level of independent capability to undertake research and development in the fields of Chemistry Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering considered advantageous.
• Prior knowledge of pressure and atmospheric leaching solution purification and metal recovery/separation technologies as applied across a range of commodities would also be considered as advantageous.
• Proficient skill in knowledge-based problem-solving approaches and structured methodologies (e.g. root cause analysis and statistical analysis) to investigate risks and opportunities to create effective value-add technical solutions
• Proficient skill in developing new methods and instruments for quality management chemical analysis of feed intermediate product and waste streams to ensure that planned business performance is achieved and improved where possible.
• Proficient skill in understanding processing aspects within Valterra Platinums mining value chain to identify and execute on opportunities where technical expertise can enhance business performance.
• Proficient skill in project management standards to drive the effective delivery of Extractive metallurgy project activities to gain maximum value for Valterra Platinum. Able to monitor progress against planned schedule and budget and highlight dependencies on other projects or activities across Valterra.
• Proficient skill in engaging cross-functional teams to share best practice ensuring technical excellence and sustainable commercial decisions.
• Advanced skill in designing engineering and operating metallurgical process plants pilot plants and/or mini scale pilot plants
• Advanced skill in developing the appropriate process technology for current and future plant operations.
• Expert skill in metallurgical tools and techniques in support of processing plants to solve complex problems.
• Intermediate Computer literacy.

Additional Information :

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Meaningful work in a high-performance values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential.
Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms these include all acts of gender based violence bullying harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful inclusive and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

How to Apply

To apply for this role please complete our online application form via this job advert.

Closing Date

26 March 2026

Privacy policy - Valterra Platinum

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time