Contracts Superintendent at First Quantum Minerals

Responsabilités

At First Quantum, we empower our employees by adopting a unique approach, distinguished by a distinctive and well-defined culture known as the “First Quantum Way.” We stand apart from other organizations in our approach, which is why we seek individuals who embrace a more daring and strategic mindset to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive impactful outcomes. Our organization values independent thinking and challenges to conventional approaches, enabling us to achieve exceptional results in remarkable destinations. Job description: Job title: Superintendent – Contracts Site: Kansanshi Mining Plc, Solwezi. Department: Commercial Section: Contracts Position reports to : Manager Commercial Purpose KMP Commercial is dedicated to generating value by ensuring the procurement and inbound supply chain services for Kansas Mining operations—encompassing mining, processing, and smelting—are executed safely, efficiently, and effectively. This objective is fulfilled through leveraging competitive supply markets, establishing commercial terms tailored to specific needs, enhancing supplier performance, guaranteeing supply security, and delivering quantifiable cost savings for the Kansas Mine. The Commercial team is undergoing a significant transformation and capability enhancement initiative, incorporating a more robust category management strategy for external expenditures. This position is anticipated to play a key role in advancing this transformation by enhancing commercial discipline, increasing contract coverage, strengthening supplier management practices, and optimizing process efficiency throughout the Contracts function. Key Responsibilities The performance of this position will be evaluated based on established key performance indicators (KPIs) applicable to this role. Specific Performance objectives will be established annually, with specific targets assigned accordingly. . Improving team performance through coaching and training while upholding high standards is a key responsibility. Managing critical and strategic suppliers under contract involves ensuring comprehensive coverage and addressing expired agreements. Developing high-quality, effective supplier contracts—including drafting enforceable clauses—must be completed promptly. Fostering influential relationships with key department heads is essential, particularly in delivering strategic commercial guidance. Driving contract process improvements through innovation is necessary to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Establishing robust oversight of the contracting process ensures timely identification and mitigation of potential delivery issues and risks. Accountabilities Safety: Ensure adherence to the utmost health and safety standards by developing and following a personal safety plan, demonstrating unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance approach, and setting a positive example for colleagues, team members, and suppliers. Uphold all health and safety policies established by Kansas to maintain a secure and compliant work environment. Leadership: Developing and enhancing the skills and competencies of the Contracts Team on an ongoing basis. Driving strategic alignment and fostering consensus around Commercial goals and objectives. The position involves establishing a strategic vision and defining measurable targets to support the attainment of both commercial and overall business objectives. Seeking out avenues for enhancing team skills and spearheading projects aimed at boosting overall proficiency. The Contracts team’s performance will be assessed through the maintenance of the performance dashboard. Senior management must be engaged to address escalating issues that necessitate their intervention. Collaborating with commercial teams, we will rigorously review project proposals to safeguard against any potential compromises to subsequent negotiation phases, particularly concerning pricing or other contractual terms. Professional Rewrite: Executive leadership in the formulation and strategic implementation of procurement policies, frameworks, and sourcing methodologies. Partner with critical stakeholders to design and implement a comprehensive, enterprise-wide category strategy for the procurement portfolio. Grasp enduring operational needs and align strategies accordingly. Perform comprehensive market research and analysis on the designated spend category, assessing potential supply market risks to inform strategic decision-making. Perform comprehensive risk modeling and analysis for assigned categories, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. Subsequently, devise and implement effective mitigation strategies to address identified risks proactively. Develop and implement strategic supply chain and performance enhancement initiatives to drive operational excellence and efficiency. Maintain meticulous documentation control over all work instructions, forms, procedures, templates, and related materials to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with established standards. Drive the advancement of systems and process automation within the Commercial Department, with a particular emphasis on implementing and integrating Power BI reports and an automated Service Request (SR) platform. This platform will monitor the duration of SRs at each stage, from initiation to resolution, while tracking the workload distribution of Contracts Officers. Additionally, the system must be capable of flagging SRs that are not being finalized within the designated timeframes. Supplier evaluation, selection, and ongoing relationship management are essential components of our strategic sourcing initiatives. This role involves meticulously assessing potential suppliers to ensure they meet our quality, cost, and delivery standards. Additionally, it requires establishing and maintaining robust partnerships with key suppliers to foster mutual growth and reliability. Explore and cultivate new sourcing avenues to enhance supply chain resilience and cost-efficiency. Perform comprehensive evaluations of potential suppliers and provide strategic recommendations based on thorough analysis. Develop a comprehensive understanding of supply and demand dynamics through collaboration with the Operational department. Lead the evaluation of supplier performance metrics to drive enhanced results and outcomes. Supplier data maintenance involves ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and currency of supplier information within the system. This role requires conducting thorough data analysis to identify trends, discrepancies, or areas for improvement, followed by a comprehensive review and evaluation of supplier performance and compliance. Responsibilities include validating data integrity, updating records, and assessing supplier reliability to support strategic sourcing decisions. Sourcing, Negotiation and Execution: We are seeking a skilled professional to engage in discussions, prepare and propose agreements with external suppliers and vendors, covering commercial terms and pricing, all while carefully evaluating and managing commercial outcomes against acceptable legal and commercial risks for the company. Evaluate current operational needs to identify and propose optimal contractual terms that align with organizational objectives. As the primary liaison for supplier engagements, this role involves spearheading contract discussions, participating in strategic meetings, and facilitating seamless communication between the company and its suppliers. Conduct strategic negotiations with key partners and prospective vendors to secure advantageous agreements. Review and enhance the efficiency of current supply contracts. Managing the tender process We leverage current contract templates to develop agreements tailored to the specific needs of the spend portfolio. Contract management, implementation, and execution involve overseeing the entire lifecycle of contractual agreements from their inception to completion. This includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating terms to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with legal standards. Additionally, it encompasses the monitoring of contract performance, managing renewals or terminations, and addressing any discrepancies or disputes that may arise. Effective contract management ensures risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and adherence to regulatory requirements while fostering strong vendor and client relationships. Responsibilities include the ongoing review and enhancement of standard contract templates, commercial contract documents, and related guidance materials to ensure consistent, enforceable, and appropriately tailored contracting outcomes. Service Delivery: Ensuring contracts are diligently tracked for their status and expiration dates, with a proactive approach to facilitating renewals or replacements before they lapse. Professional Rewriting: This role involves overseeing operational functions and cultivating strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure seamless business continuity and value delivery. Supplier and customer issue resolution involves addressing and resolving discrepancies, delays, or quality concerns that may arise in the supply chain or customer interactions. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to mediate between parties to reach mutually beneficial solutions. Responsibilities include investigating issues, coordinating with relevant teams, and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Additionally, maintaining accurate records of interactions and resolutions is essential for tracking and reporting purposes. Operational forecasting and planning processes are managed and executed to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Conduct a thorough evaluation of operational needs, facilitating the formulation of comprehensive Scopes of Work, while also assessing technical specifications and potential risks. Project management and implementation Delivering prompt and comprehensive technical assistance as needed constitutes a core responsibility of this role. Providing training where needed Performing reporting and conducting performance analysis represent essential duties of this role. General: The Contracts function must be strategically aligned with the overarching objectives and framework of the Kansas organization. This integration ensures cohesive operational performance and adherence to the company’s strategic direction. The successful candidate will deliver comprehensive support, guidance, and advisory services to the senior management team, ensuring informed decision-making and operational excellence. You may also be tasked with additional projects and responsibilities as directed by your manager. Problem Solving Typical problems may include: To secure endorsement from critical stakeholders, collaborate effectively with decision-makers across various departments, demonstrating the initiative’s value and aligning it with organizational objectives. Require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority. Facilitate alignment between project goals and stakeholder expectations by addressing concerns proactively and maintaining transparent communication throughout the engagement process. Operational forecasts and historical data are accessed and maintained with precision to ensure reliability and accuracy. Address intricate supply and project challenges promptly, ensuring critical milestones remain unaffected. Conflict resolution with Operations and Supplier teams is essential, as you will liaise between these groups to address and resolve any issues that arise. You will need to analyze the root causes of conflicts, facilitate discussions, and propose solutions to ensure smooth collaboration. Strong communication and negotiation skills are required to manage these relationships effectively. Additionally, you will document conflict resolutions and track recurring issues to prevent future disruptions. A thorough grasp of operational business objectives is essential, along with the cultivation of strong, reliable partnerships with critical stakeholders. We drive strategic engagement in procurement markets, evaluate supplier performance comprehensively, and oversee supplier relationships to ensure strict alignment with the Kansas strategic direction. Key Relationships Senior Operations Representatives – Superintendent, Manager, or Department Heads Senior Commercial Team members Commercial peers and juniors Legal Counsel – Lusaka Critical/Strategic supplier representatives Leadership Competencies FQM Leadership Competencies LEVEL Description/ Key Behaviours We cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and collective success. Identify and leverage colleagues’ strengths, foster a culture of trust and transparency, and proactively initiate challenging or “courageous” discussions with peers and team members. Here’s a professional version of your paragraph: Revised Version:

”Responsible for guiding, mentoring, and cultivating the growth of team members to enhance their skills, performance, and career progression. This role involves fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture while aligning individual development with organizational objectives.”

Communicate openly with colleagues to exchange insights and gather their perspectives when making decisions, and take the initiative to address complex matters or concerns collaboratively, seeking constructive resolutions. 3. Maximising Strategic Effectiveness Develop a thorough understanding of the operational and business strategy while proactively identifying and cultivating key stakeholder relationships within your business or function. 4. Change and Innovation Facilitate peers’ comprehension of the factors driving change initiatives, actively guide and assist in the execution of these changes, and proactively explore diverse work methodologies while adapting approaches that prove ineffective. 5. Operational Excellence Establish and maintain well-defined priorities while ensuring consistent execution of project plans to achieve established objectives. Proactively evaluate existing tasks and processes to identify opportunities for enhancement, and motivate colleagues to adopt similar improvements in their workflows. 6. Sustainable Development Weigh the long-term consequences of our choices on colleagues, clients, and the broader community. Seek counsel from essential stakeholders during decision-making and problem-solving processes. Develop solutions that harmonize the needs of people, the planet, and profit. 7. Leading Self Demonstrating ownership of one’s actions, outcomes, and ongoing growth is essential. Enhancing operational execution to optimize Kansas’s performance and drive shareholder value. Managing External Relations involves proactively anticipating, interpreting, and addressing external perspectives of the organization to enhance its corporate reputation and secure a competitive edge. Driving Change – Leading transformative initiatives with unwavering determination and deep emotional dedication. Demonstrating our Core Values – Engaging with colleagues, external stakeholders, and employees at all levels with clarity, candor, and empathy forms the foundation of this role. Collaborative Mindset for Business Success – Proactively engaging with cross-functional teams to harness collective expertise, fostering a culture of idea exchange and mutual learning to drive competitive advantage. Internal / External Impacts The successful candidate will collaborate frequently with operational stakeholders and suppliers to drive strategic and tactical enhancements in spend portfolio performance. Given Kansas’s scale and influence, the decisions made within this role have the potential to significantly impact local communities. It is essential that the individual in this position ensures stakeholders are equipped with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions. Qualifications Academic qualifications and results must be authenticated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZARA). A bachelor’s degree in a commercial, engineering, commerce, or law discipline is required. Other Qualifications: Licenses/Certifications: Preferred candidates will hold membership in a relevant statutory or professional body, if applicable. Language: Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English is a fundamental requirement. Experience Resource Sector or asset-intensive industry experience is required. A proven track record of at least 10 years in leadership roles, specifically overseeing and directing commercial or contracts teams, is essential. Deliver end-to-end category management with demonstrated value creation. Capable of effectively engaging and persuading a wide range of stakeholders with varying interests and perspectives. Experienced in core procurement principles and adept at executing intricate, large-scale projects with consistent success. Our role demands a strong grasp of market dynamics, coupled with expertise in knowledge management—encompassing its processes, tools, management frameworks, and evaluation methodologies. Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks across operations. Tactical and strategic negotiation Vendor and contract drafting/management In a global setting, this role involves collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders spanning multiple regions and virtual environments. BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS Teamwork Bold initiative Thinking safety Achieving outstanding outcomes requires a steadfast commitment to excellence, responsibility, and methodical implementation. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Skilled in leveraging Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential for optimal performance in this role. Highly proficient in both written and verbal communication. Proficiency in commercial strategy development and adeptness at negotiating advantageous agreements are essential. Effective time management and strong personal organizational abilities are essential for success in this role. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and analytical reasoning. Proficient in developing and articulating persuasive strategic plans and business proposals. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to effectively drive results by fostering productive partnerships and influencing stakeholders across teams. Change management Facilitation and/or training skills Contract drafting Personal/Interpersonal: Relationship building Consulting skills Proficiency in collaborating effectively with individuals across all organizational levels is required. Conflict resolution Logical and systematic decision-making processes are essential for this role, ensuring well-reasoned choices are made with precision and clarity. Demonstrates resilience and composure when facing high-pressure situations. Adaptability Proven expertise in resolving complex issues with precision and efficiency is required. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a strong capacity for analytical thinking and innovative solutions to challenges. Proven capability to collaborate effectively within distributed team environments, leveraging digital communication tools to ensure seamless coordination and productivity across remote settings. Paragraph: We encourage you to help us spread the word! Simply click on the icons below to share this opportunity with your network.

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