Project Manager at Sandvik in Solwezi, North-Western Province, Zambia

Project Manager

We are looking for a Project Manager to be responsible for leading, planning, coordinating, and delivering projects safely, efficiently, and within approved scope, budget, and timelines. The role ensures that project objectives are achieved through effective resource management, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and performance monitoring.

Job Purpose

The Project Manager is accountable for the delivery and control of all maintenance execution activities at the Lumwana contract site.

The role ensures:

• Effective execution of both planned and unplanned maintenance
• Clear ownership and prioritisation of all work
• Alignment of execution with operational and contractual performance targets

The position is critical to the turnaround and focuses on execution control, not coordination, ensuring that all maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Execution Control & Authority

• Act as the single point of authority for all maintenance execution
• Control and prioritise all work across: Planned / PM maintenance Breakdown / unplanned work Daily service activities
• Make real-time decisions on: Work prioritisation Resource allocation Shift execution changes

2. Breakdown Management (Pit Operations)

• Lead all breakdown response activities in the open pit
• Ensure rapid mobilisation of teams and resources
• Minimise equipment downtime and improve MTTR
• Maintain safe and effective field operations

3. Planned Maintenance Execution (Workshop)

• Ensure disciplined execution of planned maintenance activities
• Protect PM compliance while balancing breakdown priorities
• Work closely with planning to ensure readiness and execution alignment

4. Team Leadership & Foremen Management

• Directly manage: Breakdown Foremen (pit operations) Workshop Foremen (planned maintenance)
• Enforce: Clear execution accountability Standardised work practices Elimination of siloed decision-making

5. Resource & Shift Management

• Allocate manpower dynamically across: Pit vs workshop Planned vs breakdown work
• Ensure effective coverage across: Day shift Night shift Rotation (FIFO 21/7 environment)

6. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance activities are executed in accordance with safety standards
• Reinforce safe practices in: Lifting operations Welding and fabrication Field-based repairs
• Support continuous improvement in safety performance

7. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with: Turnaround Control Lead → planning discipline, KPI control Product Master → technical troubleshooting and reliability support Parts & Readiness → availability of tools, spares, and equipment
• Ensure alignment between plan and execution

8. Performance & KPI Delivery

• Drive improvements in: Equipment availability Breakdown response time Maintenance execution efficiency
• Support accurate downtime classification and reporting

Key Requirements

Experience

• Proven experience in maintenance execution leadership within mining or heavy equipment environments
• Strong background in breakdown management and field operations
• Experience managing multi-shift teams in remote or FIFO environments

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of: Maintenance execution processes Planned vs breakdown maintenance dynamics Heavy equipment or mining machinery

Leadership Competencies

• Strong decision-making ability under pressure
• Ability to lead and control field teams
• Clear communication and accountability enforcement
• Results-driven and execution-focused mindset

Desirable Qualifications

• Engineering diploma/degree or equivalent technical qualification
• Trade certification or OEM equipment experience
• Experience in mining service contracts or OEM environments
• Exposure to turnaround or performance recovery projects

Role Context

• Site-based role (Lumwana)
• FIFO / rotational environment
• High-pressure turnaround environment
• Requires strong field presence across pit and workshop

Success Criteria

• Clear execution control across all shifts
• Reduced equipment downtime and improved MTTR
• Improved PM compliance and execution discipline
• Elimination of siloed behaviour between workshop and pit
• Measurable improvement in equipment availability

What is in it for you?

We offer you an interesting role in an international business environment, extraordinary products, great colleagues, and opportunities for your professional development. At Sandvik, we believe that diversity of experience, perspective and background will lead to a better environment for our employees, our business and, thereby, our customers. Visit our stories hub, LinkedIn or Facebook to get to know us better.