Project / Business Improvement Manager - Business & Operations Improvement, Commercial & Contracts (Mining Sector)

The Project / Business Improvement Manager is responsible for leading, coordinating, and delivering business improvement initiatives and strategic projects across mining operations, while also overseeing commercial and contract management activities to support operational efficiency, cost optimization, and strategic growth. This role partners closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, finance, and senior leadership across various business entities to ensure the successful execution of business improvement initiatives, transformation projects and effective governance of Business Improvement frameworks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Business& Operations Improvement

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize operational improvement opportunities across mining, processing, logistics, and support functions.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders across business entities / mine sites to manage Business Improvement framework which encompasses a portfolio of improvement initiatives &/or strategic projects which are aligned to the entity’s short- and long-term goals in terms of value creation, growth and sustainability.
• Develop detailed business cases, project scopes, key objectives, and implementation roadmaps. This includes value stream mapping, root-cause and/or cost benefit analysis to justify the business case to support decision making process.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (including external parties/vendors where necessary) to implement process changes, resolve problems / constraints encountered and achieve or deliver the aligned improvement initiatives and strategic projects on timely basis.
• Track progress of the entire portfolio of business improvement initiatives and strategic projects and provide regular progress reports and updates on performance, issues and value captured on quantitative or qualitative basis.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and continuous-improvement capability building across the organization.

2) Commercial& Contracts Management (applicable for key strategic projects / business transformation projects)

• Coordinate and manage both internal and external stakeholders / vendors to ensure commercial terms are aligned with the project objectives, approved business case, risk management framework and company’s policies.
• This includes undertaking commercial and technical analysis and evaluation to support procurement & contracting process, vendor selection and negotiation with stakeholders to seal the deal or contract.
• Monitor contractor’s performance to ensure compliance with the agreed scope, QHSE policies and terms of contract. This includes coordination with legal, procurement and operational teams to manage and overcome issues, claims or disputes, if any, during execution phase.
• Support budgeting and cost-control process to ensure projects operate within the financial and operational parameters.

3) Project Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Develop detailed project plans and roadmaps including resources deployment, operating structure, communication plans and risk management strategy or approach to deliver the project.
• Coordinate and lead project governance meetings and report progress to senior management.
• Manage project risks and issues including implementation of mitigation actions to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and scope.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement mindset across all business entities.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• Post graduate qualifications (MBA, Master of Project Management) are an advantage.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in project or operations management, commercial and/or business improvement within mining and/or commodities sectors (preferably metallurgical and thermal coal and minerals in open cut and underground operations)
• Proven track record in leading business improvement and transformation projects.
• Strong experience in contracts & commercial management and projects management.
• Familiarity with mining operations (surface and underground), supply chain management and processing is highly desirable.

Skills& Competencies

• Strong project planning and execution skills (PMI, PRINCE2 certification is beneficial).
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and frameworks
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial modelling skills.
• High proficiency in stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Mandarin.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Mandarin-speaking stakeholders and counterparts based in China, where business discussions and documentation are primarily conducted in Mandarin.
  Ability to work in fast-paced and remote mining environments.
• Able to travel and work within Asia-Pacific region.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Manage a portfolio of business improvement initiatives via BI framework across various business entities and stakeholders
• Delivery of projects or initiatives on timely basis and achieving targeted value and outcomes.
• Cost savings, productivity improvement, and operational efficiency gains.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and cross-functional collaboration effectiveness.