Area Supervisor

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description

Overall Job Purpose

The Area Supervisor, Earthworks, is responsible for supporting the Coordinator

in managing and coordinating earthworks activities at the TSF & Dams. The role ensures that equipment and resources are utilised effectively to meet construction schedules while maintaining compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.

Specific Job Responsibility

• Supervise daily earthworks activities and ensure work is completed safely and according to the approved daily plan.
• Conduct pre-start meetings and communicate daily tasks, production targets, hazards, and controls to operators and contractors.
• Allocate operators and equipment according to instructions from the Earthworks Coordinator and Superintendent.
• Maintain a strong field presence and monitor equipment operations, productivity, work quality, and safe working practices.
• Ensure all earthworks comply with approved drawings, specifications, SOPs, method statements, risk assessments, and HSE requirements.
• Monitor equipment availability, utilisation, breakdowns, delays, and operational performance, and report shortfalls to the coordinator.
• Coordinate contractors and ensure their activities meet FQM safety, quality, environmental, and production requirements.
• Coordinate with Survey and QA/QC teams to ensure inspections, testing, levels, compaction requirements, and hold points are completed.
• Monitor daily production targets and immediately address or escalate safety issues, quality concerns, equipment shortages, and delays.
• Complete accurate shift reports and handovers covering production progress, equipment status, safety, quality, delays, and outstanding activities.

Job Specific Competencies

• Supervise daily earthworks activities and ensure safe execution of the work plan.
• Issue clear daily instructions to operators and contractors.
• Conduct pre-starts and shift handovers covering safety, equipment status, and work priorities.
• Maintain a strong field presence and conduct routine inspections of equipment and work areas.
• Monitor equipment utilisation, availability, breakdowns, and daily production performance.
• Ensure compliance with HSE requirements, procedures, approved drawings, and specifications.
• Identify operational issues and equipment defects, take corrective action, and escalate when required.
• Coordinate operators, contractors, Survey, QA/QC, and Maintenance activities.
• Monitor work quality, progress, housekeeping, and traffic management within assigned areas.
• Complete accurate daily reports and communicate outstanding work, delays, and risks to the coordinator.

Key Job Attributes

• Commitment to SHEC performance and safe execution of all earthworks activities.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned work areas, equipment, operators, and daily targets.
• Strong frontline leadership skills with the ability to give clear instructions and maintain discipline within the team.
• Ability to supervise operators and contractors and ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Strong field presence with the ability to identify unsafe conditions, poor work practices, equipment issues, and operational constraints.
• Good understanding of earthworks activities, mobile equipment operations, construction methods, and basic quality requirements.
• Ability to monitor equipment performance, identify delays and bottlenecks, and take appropriate corrective action or escalate when required.
• Good planning and organizational skills with the ability to allocate people and equipment according to daily priorities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to complete shift reports, handovers, check sheets, and issue clear work instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and communicate confidently in English.

Experience required to perform in this job

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Construction, Mining, Earthworks, or Tailings Dam Construction.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Practical experience with earthmoving and construction equipment operation
• Eligibility for membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) and the Engineering Registration Board (ERB) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate certified by ZAQA
• Diploma in Civil Construction, Earthworks, Mining, or a related field.
• Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent will be an added advantage
• Valid class C drivers licence