Head - Finance - Mining Operations - Mining/Steel/Shipping

We are looking for an experienced finance leader to head the finance function for a large-scale greenfield mining operation in Mozambique.

The role will be responsible for establishing and leading the finance function for the mining business, with a strong focus on project finance, mine development, capital expenditure, financial planning, commercial finance, controls and statutory compliance.

The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience in the mining industry, particularly in managing finance for large-scale mining projects, mine development and capital-intensive operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the overall finance function for the mining operation.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the mine's development and operational objectives.
• Establish robust financial processes, controls, MIS and governance frameworks for the mining business.
• Partner with the CEO/Business Head and leadership team on strategic and commercial decisions.

Mine Development & CAPEX:

• Lead financial planning and control for the development of a greenfield mine and associated infrastructure.
• Manage and monitor large-scale CAPEX budgets covering mine development, processing facilities, infrastructure, logistics, utilities and other project requirements.
• Evaluate project costs, capital allocation, project profitability and investment returns.
• Track CAPEX utilisation against approved budgets and identify cost overruns, risks and corrective actions.
• Work closely with project, procurement, engineering and operations teams on project financial management.

Financial Planning & Business Finance:

• Own annual budgets, forecasts, long-term business plans and financial models.
• Develop project and operational financial models covering production, costs, CAPEX, working capital and cash flows.
• Provide financial insights to support production planning, procurement, contracting and commercial decisions.
• Drive cost optimisation and financial efficiency across mining operations.

Commercial & Project Finance:

• Support evaluation and negotiation of major contracts, vendor arrangements and commercial agreements.
• Assess financial implications of mining contracts, logistics arrangements, equipment procurement and infrastructure projects.
• Monitor project cash flows, funding requirements and working capital.
• Liaise with banks, financial institutions, auditors, tax advisors and other external stakeholders as required.

Controls, Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure strong internal financial controls across the mining operation.
• Oversee accounting, reporting, statutory compliance, taxation and audits.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Mozambique regulatory requirements and Group policies.
• Establish appropriate processes for risk management, financial governance and fraud prevention.

MIS & Management Reporting:

• Provide timely and accurate financial and management reports to senior management and the Group.
• Develop dashboards and MIS covering CAPEX, OPEX, cash flow, working capital, project costs and profitability.
• Provide variance analysis and actionable insights to the business leadership.

Key Requirements:

• Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of overall finance experience.
• Strong experience in the mining / metals / natural resources industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing finance for a mining operation or large-scale mining project.
• Strong exposure to mine development CAPEX / greenfield project finance is mandatory.
• Experience handling large CAPEX budgets involving mine infrastructure, processing plants, equipment, logistics and related facilities.
• Strong understanding of project costing, financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management.
• Experience in commercial finance, contracts and procurement finance within a project/mining environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, accounting, taxation, audit and statutory compliance.
• Experience working with senior business leadership and cross-functional project teams.
• International / Africa experience would be an advantage.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

• The preferred candidate would be a finance professional who has progressed through roles in mining or metals and has been closely involved in the financial management of a mine, mine expansion or greenfield mining project, rather than someone with only general corporate finance experience.
• Experience across the complete project lifecycle - from feasibility and mine development through commissioning and operations - would be highly relevant.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic financial leadership
• Mining project finance
• Mine CAPEX management
• Financial modelling & project evaluation
• Budgeting & forecasting
• Cost control
• Commercial finance
• Cash-flow management
• Financial governance & controls
• Stakeholder management
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Ability to work in a large-scale, international mining environment