Director of Digital Innovation at First Quantum Minerals

At First Quantum, we empower our employees by embracing a unique philosophy rooted in a distinctive and clearly defined company culture known as the “First Quantum Way.” Here’s a version of your paragraph while preserving all key details and maintaining a professional tone:

• ”Our organization offers a distinctive work environment, setting it apart from conventional workplaces. Therefore, we seek individuals who embrace a more innovative and strategic mindset to identify opportunities, address challenges, and drive impactful results.”

Our team thrives on fostering innovative thinking and questioning established norms to achieve exceptional outcomes. This approach enables us to consistently deliver extraordinary results in remarkable settings. Job description: Job title: Superintendent, Digital Innovations Site: Kansanshi Mining Plc. Department: IT & Digital Section: AI Innovations Position reports to IT & Digital Manager The IT & Digital Manager will oversee the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the organization’s digital infrastructure and information technology systems. This role requires a minimum of five years of progressive IT experience, including expertise in systems administration, network management, cybersecurity protocols, and cloud-based solutions. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required, along with relevant certifications such as Compton Security+, Cisco CCNA, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. The successful candidate will lead IT projects, manage vendor relationships, ensure data integrity and security, and provide technical leadership to the IT team. Additionally, they will evaluate emerging technologies, recommend strategic digital initiatives, and align IT strategies with organizational goals. Strong problem-solving skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a proactive approach to technology management are essential for this position. Purpose The Superintendent plays a pivotal role in identifying, prioritizing, and integrating AI-driven solutions—such as predictive analytics, machine learning, generative AI, intelligent automation, computer vision, and operational optimization—to enhance mining production, maintenance, safety, logistics, operational efficiency, and employee productivity. This position requires a unique blend of advanced technical AI expertise and specialized mining domain knowledge, collaborating closely with leaders in Mine Operations, Maintenance, Processing, Safety, and IT to ensure AI initiatives generate tangible business value. Additionally, the Superintendent leads the responsible adoption of AI, cultivates internal AI capabilities, and guarantees that all implemented solutions adhere to governance, compliance, and ethical standards within the mining industry. Key Responsibilities Formulate and implement the mine site’s AI strategy, ensuring alignment between AI initiatives and key operational priorities across mining, processing, maintenance, and safety—guaranteeing that AI investments yield measurable improvements in production efficiency and cost reduction. Drive the strategic identification, delineation, and justification of high-impact AI initiatives spanning mining operations, processing facilities, smelting plants, and auxiliary support functions. We are looking for a candidate to lead the entire lifecycle of AI solutions, encompassing data acquisition, model development, production deployment, performance monitoring, and ongoing enhancement, all while adhering to MLOps/LLM Ops best practices specifically tailored for mining environments. Oversee the seamless integration of AI and machine learning models with operational technology (OT) systems, such as SCADA, fleet management systems (FMS), mine planning tools, historians, and condition monitoring platforms. We are seeking a dynamic leader to guide and inspire a high-performing team comprising AI Engineers, Data Scientists, and AI Specialists, cultivating an environment that prioritizes innovation, teamwork, and continuous professional growth within the AI division. Collaborate closely with Mine Operations, Maintenance, Geology, Survey, Processing, and Safety teams to integrate AI-driven insights into routine workflows, strategic planning cycles, and critical decision-making processes. Responsibilities include managing the development and implementation of predictive maintenance models for essential mining equipment such as shovels, trucks, conveyors, mills, pumps, and compressors, utilizing vibration, thermal, and operational data. Implement computer vision solutions across mining, processing, smelter, and safety operations to drive meaningful operational enhancements. Champion the implementation and advancement of AI-driven production optimization solutions, such as real-time fleet dispatch systems, drilling and blasting intelligence platforms, orebody modeling tools, and pit-to-plant integration facilitated by digital twin technologies. Oversee strategic vendor and technology partnerships pertaining to AI platforms, cloud services, and specialized AI solutions tailored to the mining industry. Develop and oversee the AI division’s budget, encompassing capital expenditures for AI infrastructure, ongoing operational costs, licensing fees, and training initiatives, with a focus on ensuring expenditures yield measurable return on investment. Facilitate the advancement of AI literacy and adoption at the mine site by implementing structured training initiatives, conducting interactive workshops, and delivering focused enablement programs tailored for both operational and technical teams. Prepare high-level executive reports that evaluate the performance of AI initiatives, quantify value realized, identify potential risks, and outline strategic forward plans, specifically designed for presentation to senior leadership at both site and corporate levels. Ensure that all AI solutions adhere to relevant regulatory mandates, environmental guidelines, and First Quantum Minerals’ data governance and cybersecurity frameworks. Remain updated on the latest AI research developments, emerging technology trends, and industry-leading best practices, with the objective of converting pertinent advancements into practical, site-specific opportunities. Regularly monitor industry developments to proactively identify emerging trends, potential risks, and new opportunities before they fully materialize. Leverage digital products and services to drive organizational growth and enhance overall operational efficiency. Develop a comprehensive customer success strategy aimed at facilitating the successful launch and adoption of innovative digital products and services. Highlight the strategic benefits and tangible outcomes of the new digital products and services, demonstrating their contribution to the organization’s overall performance and operational efficiency. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related analytical/engineering field is required. A postgraduate qualification, such as a Master’s degree, in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or Mining Engineering—particularly with a focus on AI—would be highly advantageous. Highly desirable is proficiency with AI/ML platform certifications such as Microsoft Azure AI Engineer, AWS Machine Learning Specialty, or Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer. Candidate should possess extensive expertise in mining, encompassing critical domains such as Mine-to-Ship (MTS), Mining Operations, Processing, and Smelter Operations. A certification in project management, such as PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum, would be a valuable asset. A demonstrated experience in the application of artificial intelligence within the fields of mining engineering, metallurgical engineering, or electrical/instrumentation engineering is highly preferred. All academic credentials and achievements must be authenticated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZARA). Experience With a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience, you will have successfully led Data and AI initiatives within mining operations, covering areas such as mine production, maintenance, Mine Technical Services (MTS), processing, and smelter environments. With a minimum of 10 years of experience in AI/ML engineering or data science, including a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity, overseeing AI initiatives within industrial, resource, or mining sectors, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in these domains. Experienced in translating vague business requirements or AI applications into well-defined, quantifiable, and executable deliverables. Experienced in successfully implementing AI-driven solutions within operational technology (OT) frameworks, including seamless integration with SCADA systems, DCS platforms, historian databases (such as OSI soft PI and Aviva), and fleet management solutions (including Modular, Wench, and Jigsaw). We seek a candidate with extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and time-series modelling, particularly in predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and equipment failure prediction. Proficiency in utilizing vibration, thermal, and process data for these applications is essential. Proficiency in implementing and optimizing computer vision solutions, encompassing tasks such as object detection, image classification, and video analytics, particularly within industrial or outdoor settings, is required. Proficient in Python and AI/ML frameworks such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and XGBoost, with a strong preference for candidates who possess familiarity with signal processing libraries like SciPy and Libra. Professionals with a proven track record in developing and deploying large language model (LLM) applications, such as AI assistants, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, and agentic AI workflows, tailored for operational knowledge management, are sought. Experienced in leveraging cloud-based artificial intelligence platforms, including Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, and Google Vertex AI, alongside MLOps tools such as ML flow, Below, Azure ML, and SageMaker within production settings. Proficiency in industrial data communication protocols and standards such as OPCA, MQTT, and Modbus, along with expertise in real-time data historian integration, is required. Proficiency in geospatial data processing, integration of mine planning software, or experience with orebody modelling platforms such as Vulcan, Leapfrog, or Data mine is highly desirable. Proficiency in SQL and extensive experience with big data processing frameworks, including Spark, Hive, and Databricks, are essential for managing large-scale sensor and operational data. Familiarity with digital twin platforms, asset performance management (APM) systems, and real-time process optimization methodologies within mining or heavy industrial environments is required. Proven understanding of responsible AI principles, encompassing fairness, explainability, privacy-preserving methodologies, and AI governance frameworks specifically tailored to safety-critical contexts. Professional Version: Possession of membership in ICT AZ or LIZ would be considered a beneficial qualification. Proficiency in mining operations environments is essential. BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in analytical reasoning and problem resolution. Visionary leadership is required to adeptly transform AI strategy into tangible, high-impact solutions tailored for the complexities of a mining operational setting. Able to effectively articulate AI concepts, risks, and benefits to a wide range of stakeholders, including mine operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and senior executives. Demonstrates a collaborative and cross-functional approach by effectively establishing and maintaining strong professional relationships and influence across key disciplines, including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Geology, and IT. Balancing innovative aspirations with the practical demands of operational continuity, safety standards, and resource limitations is essential in a mining environment. Data-driven decision-making is essential, enabling you to critically evaluate assumptions and leverage evidence to construct persuasive justifications for AI investments and strategic prioritization. Maintaining rigorous criteria for model excellence, dependability, and thorough documentation—especially for AI systems deployed in safety-critical or production-critical applications—is essential. Dynamic talent developer dedicated to empowering team members through targeted upskilling initiatives and fostering sustainable AI capabilities within the mining enterprise. Highly disciplined in program management with a results-driven approach, capable of simultaneously executing multiple AI initiatives while adhering to budgetary constraints, predefined scope, and established timelines. An unwavering dedication to ethical principles and the responsible advancement of AI technologies, with a specific emphasis on ensuring safety monitoring, optimizing workforce management, and upholding environmental compliance standards. Capable of thriving amidst uncertainty, adept at adjusting priorities in high-pressure operational environments, and steadfast in advancing strategic AI initiatives. Engage with Us! Explore the icons below to distribute this content and support our mission.

---

[Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]