South Deep is recruiting!

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a dynamic and engaged team of professionals, working together to become the beacon of pride for our people, our communities, our stakeholders, and our shareholders.

At South Deep, we value each person’s individual and collective contribution and support your ongoing development, helping you to achieve your career and our business aspirations.

POSITION:                 Section Manager Production Engineering

JOB GRADING:         D – Upper

DEPARTMENT:          Technical Services – Production Engineering

SITE:                          South Deep Gold Mine

The Section Manager Production Engineering is accountable for leading and managing the Production Engineering function to ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective extraction of ore within a deep level mechanised mining operation utilising high profile development and Long Hole Stoping mining methods.  The incumbent will provide strategic leadership in production engineering, drill, charge, blast optimisation, operational improvement, mine design governance and technical performance management to support the achievement of production, safety and business objectives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
• Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering or equivalent
• Mine Overseer Certificate of Competency
• Minimum 10 years' experience in deep level mechanised mining operations
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior production engineering, or technical services leadership role
• Extensive experience in High Profile Development and Long Hole Stoping within a deep level mechanised mining environment
• Proven experience in drill and blast optimisation, production engineering and operational improvement
• Be declared medical fit for the position and environment, as determined by risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre and pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test, and such other tests as may be required to assess the applicant’s suitability for employment

NOTE: All required documentation must be uploaded to your online application to be considered for shortlisting

Key Competencies:

• Advanced safety leadership capability with proven safety campaign delivery record and ability to provides visible felt leadership in safety
• Accomplished team and people leader with advanced inter and intra-team collaboration, sound spoken and written English communication skills
• Established track record in leading and managing teams, including proficiency in change management
• Expert knowledge of deep level mechanised mining systems, High Profile Development and Long Hole Stoping mining methods
• Advanced understanding of production engineering principles applicable to bulk mining and mechanised mining operations
• Strong understanding of the mining value chain, including development, production drilling, charging, blasting, loading, hauling and backfilling processes
• Proven ability to optimise production performance in a deep level mechanised mining environment
• Ability to cope with ambiguity with high personal resilience, change adaptability and attention to details
• Established problem-solving skills with appreciation for business optimisation methodologies e.g., lean-six sigma, etc.
• Proven aptitude in diagnostics, problem-solving, decision-making, and project management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in and lead interventions aimed at contributing to a culture of Zero Harm by ensuring compliance with legislation, Code of Practices, SHE policies, standards and governance requirements
• Demonstrate Visible Felt Leadership and drive operational safety excellence Production Engineering function and across the mine
• Actively support the company’s strategies and initiatives to promote a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace with a culture of accountability and care
• Maintain effective people management practices by ensuring clear team role accountability, capability development, coaching, performance management, constructive feedback and sustained team delivery against operational objectives
• Develop and implement production engineering strategies aligned to business objectives and Life of Mine requirements
• Oversee the optimization of Long Hole Stoping performance, ore recovery, dilution control and production efficiencies
• Provide technical governance and strategic oversight of drill and blast design, execution and performance improvement initiatives
• Support innovation and technology initiatives that enhance operational performance and business sustainability
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions to achieve production targets
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, systems and quality assurance processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving operational performance
• Lead operational investigations, root cause analyses and technical improvement projects
• Ensure effective integration and collaboration between Mining Operations, Planning, Geology, Survey, Rock Engineering and Engineering departments
• Develop, manage and monitor departmental budgets and forecasts
• Mentor, coach and develop Production Engineers, Specialists and technical teams to build sustainable capability and succession
• Prepare and present technical and operational performance reports to management and relevant stakeholders

Closing Date: 26 June 2026 

Please note that the Gold Fields code of conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of any payment as part of its recruitment process.

 Should you require any assistance or have any challenges in applying for a position, please contact the Recruitment hub on 011 411 1387

Creating enduring value beyond mining

Gold Fields is committed to advancing its Employment Equity (EE) strategy through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). All Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) and differently abled candidates may apply.