Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assumes full accountability for the regulated responsibilities of the Mine Manager in accordance with the Namibian Mines, Works and Minerals Ordinance, including the control, management and direction of all operations conducted on Debmarine Namibia owned, operated, chartered or contracted marine recovery and exploration vessels.
• Contributes to the development of the Company Strategy and lead the formulation and implementation of the Operations Strategy, ensuring alignment with Debmarine Namibia’s long-term sustainability, strategic objectives, De Beers Group policy direction and world-class mining practices.
• Leads the Company’s mining operations, including safety, security, marine and engineering accountabilities, to maximise sustainable operational performance, achieve production targets and strengthen operational governance across the function.
• Optimises asset management and utilisation by determining fleet configurations, deploying production and exploration vessels effectively, identifying required vessel or mining tool modifications and continuously improving productivity and fleet capacity.
• Develops and implements operating frameworks for effective cost, capital and resource management, including budget planning, expenditure control, productivity and cost indicators, corrective action and continuous improvement in financial and operational reporting.
• Provides visible leadership in safety, security, occupational health and environmental management by ensuring legal compliance, adherence to Company policies and standards, risk management, sustainable development and protection of people, assets and the environment.
• Leads and develops the Operations team by setting clear goals, ensuring effective workforce planning, performance management, training and development, succession planning, discipline management, diversity and inclusion, and alignment with the Company’s AA Plan and strategic objectives.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, promote collaboration across functional boundaries and chair relevant committees and working groups, including those involving recognised employee representative structures.
• Drives innovation, business improvement and operational excellence by keeping abreast of developments, managing operational projects, embedding new technologies into the fleet and identifying opportunities to improve performance, decision-making and long-term competitiveness.
• Upholds high standards of integrity, confidentiality, ethical conduct and professional behaviour while supporting a culture aligned to Debmarine Namibia’s values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Respect.

Qualifications

CANDIDATE MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

• A Post Graduate Qualification in Metallurgy, Engineering, Mining, or Geology
• Preferably a relevant professional Certification, for example, Mine Manager’s ticket
• At least 12 Years experience, including 7 years in a marine or mining environment and 5 years in a senior managerial position.

THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES ARE KEY FOR THIS POSITION:

• Leadership and Influence
• Strategic Thinking
• Strong Safety Leadership
• Financial Acumen
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Operational Expertise
• Adaptability and Agility
• Ethics and Integrity

Additional Information

Preference will be given to Namibian citizens and designated persons as prescribed by the Namibian Affirmative Action Act.

Please submit a comprehensive CV with proof of qualifications and experience by following the application and registration process via the Company website: www.debmarinenamibia.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and shall be subjected to further assessment and screening.   

CLOSING DATE: 10 JULY 2026