Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Head of IT Operation to lead the technology backbone of our mining operations. This is a senior leadership role covering IT Infrastructure, IoT, OT (Operational Technology), Network, Automation, and Business Continuity Planning (BCP)/Cybersecurity — spanning both head office and remote mine site environments. The role requires deep governance and strategic capability across IT Governance, IT Infrastructure, IT Cybersecurity, and Application Strategy, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable technology operations that support production, safety, and business continuity across the mining value chain.
- Lead the overall IT Operations strategy and execution across Infrastructure, Network, IoT/OT, Automation, and Cybersecurity for head office and mine site operations.
- Own the architecture and reliability of critical mine site connectivity (fiber, microwave, satellite/VSAT, private LTE/5G) and site-to-site network design.
- Oversee OT/ICS/SCADA environments supporting mining production systems (fleet management, autonomous haulage, plant/process control), applying industrial segmentation best practices (e.g., Purdue Model) in coordination with engineering and operations teams.
- Drive IT/OT convergence initiatives, ensuring secure integration between enterprise IT systems and operational technology on site.
- Lead automation initiatives across infrastructure and operations (infrastructure automation, monitoring, ITSM/ITOM tooling) to improve uptime, efficiency, and cost.
- Own Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) strategy, ensuring resilience of critical systems supporting production, safety, and site operations.
- Lead enterprise cybersecurity strategy for both IT and OT domains, including risk assessment, incident response, and security monitoring across distributed mine sites.
- Set IT Governance frameworks and policies covering infrastructure, security, application, and vendor management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and industry standards.
- Define and govern application strategy, ensuring enterprise systems (ERP, mining operations systems, safety and compliance platforms) are reliable, integrated, and aligned to business needs.
- Manage IT operations budget, vendor and OEM relationships (network, hardware, OT/automation vendors), and contracts for infrastructure and managed services.
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing IT Operations team across infrastructure, network, OT/automation, cybersecurity, and application support functions.
- Report IT operational performance, risk posture, and strategic roadmap to executive leadership and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure IT operations support mining safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements at both site and corporate levels.
Requirements
- Minimum 20 years of progressive IT experience, with a strong track record in senior IT Operations/Infrastructure leadership roles, ideally within mining, energy, or other heavy/remote-site industrial industries.
- High-profile, hands-on expertise across IT Infrastructure, IoT, OT, Network, Automation, and BCP/Cybersecurity — both technical and strategic.
- Deep knowledge of IT Governance, IT Infrastructure, IT Cybersecurity, and Application Strategy at an enterprise level.
- Proven experience managing IT/OT convergence and industrial network environments (SCADA/ICS) in production-critical settings.
- Strong understanding of remote site connectivity solutions (satellite, microwave, private cellular) relevant to mining or similarly remote operations.
- Demonstrated experience building and executing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans for critical operational environments.
- Solid grounding in enterprise cybersecurity strategy and governance frameworks applicable to both IT and OT domains.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills, with the ability to translate technical strategy into business outcomes.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to remote mine site locations.
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or MBA a plus.
