Studies Director (SME)

The Studies Director will provide Group-level technical leadership, governance and assurance for technical studies across the portfolio (PFS/FS/DFS and major optimisation studies). The role will ensure studies are decision-quality, consistent, audit-ready and aligned with operational reality, supporting capital allocation and growth execution without owning day-to-day project delivery.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Study governance, standards and technical assurance

• Define and maintain Group Study Standards and templates (stage-gate requirements, basis of design, data quality, review and sign-off routines, QP requirements).
• Ensure quality and accuracy of technical work and assumptions across disciplines; establish QA/QC expectations for study data and models (CAPEX/OPEX, schedules, productivity, recovery, infrastructure and risk).
• Lead independent peer reviews and assurance of study outputs; track findings, actions and close‑out.

Multi-asset support to study and project teams

• Support project teams and sites on scoping and structuring studies (terms of reference, work breakdown structure, consultant selection and interface management).
• Provide SME input on complex cross-disciplinary issues, constructability / operability considerations and execution readiness.

Integration across technical disciplines and operations

• Ensure alignment and integration of mining, processing, geotechnical, TSF, infrastructure, maintenance, HSE/ESG and permitting inputs into an integrated basis of design.
• Partner with Operations and Technical Services SMEs to ensure study assumptions reflect credible operating strategies and constraints.

Economics, risk and decision support

• Drive consistency of estimating approaches, benchmarking, contingency and sensitivity analyses; ensure robust risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Provide executive‑level decision support through clear narratives, trade‑off analysis and documentation suitable for investment committees and governance forums.

QP oversight and disclosure readiness

• Act as a Qualified Person (QP) and/or coordinate QP sign‑off processes, ensuring compliance with applicable reporting standards and audit trails.
• Support external reviews (independent technical experts, lenders, partners) and ensure evidence packs are complete and consistent.

Capability building and continuous improvement

• Build a studies community of practice: competency framework, mentoring, training pathways and succession planning.
• Capture lessons learned and promote continuous improvement in study workflows, tools and knowledge management.

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Group Study Standard / Handbook and study templates (ToR, basis of design, review checklists, deliverable definitions).
• Annual assurance plan; peer review reports; closure tracking and compliance scorecards.
• Stage‑gate review packs and executive summaries supporting investment decisions.
• Benchmarking library and guidance for estimating, scheduling and risk / contingency practices.
• QP sign‑off records and audit‑ready documentation for key study deliverables.
• Lessons learned reports and capability development plan for studies teams.

KEY INTERFACES

• Projects/Growth: Project Directors, Study Managers, engineering/design partners and consultants. Operations: Site GMs, Mine/Process leadership, Maintenance, HSE/ESG and Supply Chain/Procurement.
• Group: VP Technical Services, Technical Services SMEs (Mining, Processing & Metallurgy, Geotechnical, Maintenance, Mine Geology), Finance/Strategy and Legal/Compliance as required.

SUCCESS MEASURES (EXAMPLE KPIS)

• Decision‑quality studies delivered with consistent standards and clear governance; reduced rework and late changes.
• Peer review / assurance findings closed on time; audit‑ready evidence trails and QP compliance.
• Consistent estimating, benchmarking and risk / contingency practices across the portfolio. Improved execution readiness of growth projects (constructability, operability and interface clarity).
• Capability uplift: training completion, readiness of successors, reduced reliance on ad‑hoc external support.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Qualified Person (QP) with appropriate professional registration for public reporting (e.g., NI 43‑101 / JORC or equivalent).
• Senior technical studies leader with extensive experience in the mining industry (owner’s team and/or consulting) and a strong track record delivering PFS/FS/DFS.
• Strong background in technical studies governance: integrated basis of design, cost estimating, scheduling, risk management and decision support.
• Broad understanding across mining, processing, geotechnical, TSF and infrastructure sufficient to challenge assumptions and integrate disciplines.
• Strong stakeholder management (influence without direct authority) and ability to lead peer reviews and multi‑disciplinary teams.

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