Operations Director

Discover a rewarding career opportunity at Kinross in the stunning rural landscapes of Washington State. Recognized for our leadership in low-impact mine development and nationally acclaimed for our reclamation and closure practices, our team has produced gold from six different deposits in the region since 1990. Currently we are advancing a multi-year pipeline of projects and growing our team to ensure effective delivery and seamless transition into operations.

Job Summary

The Operations Director provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations at the Kettle River Operations. Reporting to the General Manager, this role oversees site performance, manages resources, and leads initiatives that drive operational excellence and aligns with Kinross’ strategic objectives.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute short- and intermediate-term strategies that support the growth and performance of the operation to ensure Kinross meets its strategic objectives.
• Lead the execution of the long-term strategy for multi-discipline functions including the following departments: mine, processing, asset management, and geology.
• Manages the human, financial, and operational resources of the site operations, setting priorities and allocating resources to meet business goals.
• Develop and implement business practices, policies, and systems within the operation that align with Kinross’ overall business strategy.
• Responsible for short- and long-term planning, capital and operating budgeting, engineering and cost studies for mine expansion, equipment selection, and acquisition.
• Participates in joint venture partner initiatives for global procurement to reduce material and operating costs.
• Oversee site performance metrics, operational plans, and cost forecasts, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Formulates the annual operating and capital budgets for the function consistent with Kinross’ established financial guidelines and business planning process.
• Prepares business cases and reports regarding strategic projects and initiatives and presents recommendations and status updates to key stakeholders
• Act as a change agent and project sponsor for key initiatives; models organizational values, sets the cultural tone, and prioritizes business goals.
• Lead the Continuous Improvement program using tools and systems that support Kinross’ management operating philosophy.
• Advises senior leaders on major operational challenges, helping to resolve those challenges through professional advice, diagnostics and analytical or consultant support.
• Set performance targets and measures, monitors, and manages overall performance of direct reports and operational departments.
• Build the capabilities of the team to enhance the mine’s ability to achieve financial and operating strategies; identifies succession needs, high-potential talent, and actively develops key employees.
• Ensures health and safety aspects are taken into account during all operational activities; promotes and upholds the Kinross safety, environment and sustainability practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in Mining Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field required.
• 12+ years of related work experience, with experience in leading teams within the mining industry desired.
• Detailed knowledge of all phases of mining, and the integration of the mining, milling/processing, and maintenance functions.
• Knowledge and experience in developing policies and procedures relating to safety, the operation, and individual and organizational development.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees and management at all levels.
• Proven leadership and decision-making capabilities in a complex mining environment.
• Valid Driver’s License and authorized to work in the US.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Has a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.

Kinross Leadership Practices

• Creates an environment where nothing is more important than every employee returning home safe and healthy every day.
• Creates an environment in which people are unfailingly treated with respect
• Fosters the talent and potential of all employees by enabling them to grow, develop, and make a difference in the organization.
• Demonstrates that leadership in the areas of environmental performance and community and stakeholder relations is fundamental to the way we plan and manage our business.
• Holds self and others accountable for the decisions, commitments, and behaviors required to deliver outstanding results.
• Uses judgment to manage business complexities, prioritize and balance conflicting demands to make timely decisions that best advance Kinross strategy.
• Builds and brings teams and people together to achieve organizational goals. Models’ humility by going beyond self-interest for the good of the group.
• Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and efficiently to maximize shareholder value.
• Relentlessly champions, develops and embeds best practices .

Kinross Competencies

• Strategic Effectiveness

Developing and communicating rigorous and creative business strategies that drive sustainable value.

• External Engagement

Understanding and building relationships with external parties that strengthen and sustain competitive advantage.

• Business Focus

Applying commercial rigor and discipline to all business decisions and customer relationships.

• Living the Kinross Values

Aligning behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles.

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

• Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management
• Superior leadership and team building capabilities
• Solid project management skills
• In-depth knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting
• Advanced operational knowledge of the mining industry

Reporting Relationships

Reports to General Manager



 

Language Requirements

English

Compensation Data

Salary Range: $200,000 - $215,000

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid time off
• Stock purchase option
• Basic life insurance
• Short and long term incentive

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).