Continuous Improvement Technical Engineer - Recycling

Continuous Improvement Technical Engineer

LOCATION: Americas

REPORTING TO: RECYCLING

PROPOSED SCHEDULE: 5X2, 4X3

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBLE: YES

Position Responsibilities And Duties

• Conduct experiments, trials, and testing to evaluate the effectiveness of optimization strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement waste smelter strategies and plans that align with business objectives and requirements.
• Provide ongoing technical support and guidance to smelting facility staff;
• To optimize the smelters' operations, equipment, and processes to improve performance and increase production efficiency as a collective of smelters processing various waste streams. You will be responsible for identifying areas for improvement, conducting analysis, and implementing solutions that enhance the smelters' overall performance increase efficiency, reduce waste and improve product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis to identify the source of technical challenges faced by the recycling entities and develop solutions to address them
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that all technical solutions are aligned with business objectives and requirements;
• Identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate or eliminate risks that could negatively impact the safety of personnel, equipment, or the environment.
• Develop / Identify service providers to deliver technical training programs that help to improve the skills of the smelting facility staff;
• Seek/Explore new collaboration opportunities to enhance the existing smelting portfolio and unlock value within the existing value chain (business development aspect)
• Develop and implement technical processes and standards that help to optimize smelting processes and reduce cost;
• To identify, evaluate and implement technical solutions that enable decentralized smelting facilities to work in synergy. You will be responsible for understanding the metallurgical / technical complexities associated with the processing of various waste streams and to support in providing solutions and realize synergies.
• Ensure that all technical solutions adhere to regulatory compliance requirements and industry best practices and where appropriate advance technologies to align with sustainability philosophy.
• Monitor process key performance indicators and implement corrective actions to ensure that targets are met.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, and risk assessments to evaluate the potential of different innovative technical solutions and the adoption/integration thereof;

Required Skills And Abilities

• Change Management: Have a solid understanding of change management principles and be able to effectively communicate the need for change, address resistance, and support teams throughout the change process.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to assess processes, identify areas for improvement, and analyze data to make data- driven decisions. They should be able to break down complex problems into manageable components and apply critical thinking to develop innovative solutions.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. They should be able to clearly articulate improvement strategies, present findings, and engage teams in change initiatives.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and solve operational challenges. They should be adept at using various problem-solving tools and techniques, such as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), and 5 Whys.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Proficiency in data analysis is essential. They should be comfortable working with spreadsheets, statistical software, and data visualization tools. They need the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, measure performance, and make informed decisions.
• Familiar with concepts such as value stream mapping, root cause analysis, process mapping, waste reduction, and statistical analysis.
• Collaboration skills are crucial to work with cross-functional teams, build relationships, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Continuous Learning: A mindset of continuous learning and improvement is vital. Staying updated with the latest industry trends, methodologies, and technologies is crucial to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
• Project Management: The ability to manage projects effectively. They should be able to plan, execute, and monitor improvement initiatives, set timelines, allocate resources, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives. Project management skills, such as defining scope, managing risks, and tracking progress, are vital.

Focus Leadership Qualities

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Continuous process improvement often involves cross-functional collaboration. The engineer should possess strong collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams, build relationships, and facilitate open communication. They should be able to motivate and engage team members toward common improvement goals.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Continuous improvement often involves navigating through uncertainties and changes. The engineer should be flexible and adaptable, embracing new ideas, adjusting strategies, and responding effectively to evolving circumstances.
• Leadership by Example. They should demonstrate a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality and excellence, live the Sibanye- Stillwater ICARES values and a passion for continuous improvement. By embodying the values and behaviors they seek in others, they inspire and motivate their team members.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is critical. They should be able to explain complex concepts in a simple and understandable manner, listen actively, and communicate ideas and progress effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making. They should be proficient in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify improvement opportunities, track progress, and make informed decisions.
• Visionary Thinking: A visionary mindset and the ability to see the bigger picture. They should be able to envision the desired state of processes and operations, set improvement goals, and inspire others with their vision.
• Continuous Learning: Have a thirst for learning and self-improvement. They should stay updated with the latest industry trends, methodologies, and tools related to process improvement. They should seek continuous learning opportunities and encourage the same in their team.
• Change Management: Effective change management skills with an understanding of how to manage resistance to change, engage stakeholders, and communicate the benefits of improvement initiatives. They should be able to facilitate and guide teams through the change process.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: A strong analytical and problem-solving mindset. The engineer should be skilled at analyzing data, identifying root causes of inefficiencies or problems, and developing innovative solutions.

Education And Experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or a related field.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and industry best practices.
• At least 10 years of experience working in the mining and metals industry.
• Experience working with decentralized smelting facilities and implementing technical solutions to improve their performance.
• Project or Operational experience?
• Knowledge of smelting and refining processes (Hydro and pyro) and equipment, including furnaces, converters, electro-refineries and refining processing equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Notes

Support any integration process from start to finish, ensuring that the integration objectives are met, risks are managed, and stakeholders are effectively engaged and informed throughout the process. To play a vital role in facilitating a successful integration and laying the foundation for a unified and thriving entity.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro