Operations Specialist

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is growing?

Who We Are

We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world’s energy transition.

Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.

From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.

Join our diverse team of talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking an Operations Specialist to join our Production Operations team in Long Harbour, NL.

This is a permanent on-site position, working a 4x10 schedule at the Long Harbour Operations site. Additional shift coverage will be required as needed.

As the Operations Specialist, you will support the Production Area Manager and Department in business execution. Monitor, identify and implement opportunities to reduce variation in control processes and systems within their area(s) of accountability. The role will identify common causes of variation to be corrected in collaboration with area Manager and Supervisors. This role will also help to coordinate departmental shutdown and long term planning.

The Operations Specialist works collaboratively with Production Area Superintendents, Production Engineers, Maintenance Superintendents and Coaches/ Supervisors within the functional and cross functional areas of the Operation, to address short- and long-term planning of activities that support the overall plant operations and stability.

Additionally, in this position you will:

- Provide input for the development of and to facilitate the execution of the annual production area strategic plan. Identify any required changes to the established production and/or maintenance schedules, that will impact either upstream or downstream customers.

- Coordinate departmental shutdown and long term maintenance planning focusing on the operational requirements to facilitate maintenance execution

- Support development and coordination of the departmental annual execution plan and contribute to identifying area specific goals and objectives to achieve the plan.

- Maintain department Opportunity / Risk register in coordination with routines. Contributes to Asset Integrity reviews and supports development of action plans to address ‘at risk’ assets.

- Monitor department production and/or maintenance performance, and asset integrity, to confirm that processes are in place to maintain the plant and equipment, sustain/build capability, and to achieve the targets outlined in the Execution plan, based on priority through risk assessments.

- Contribute to the Succession Planning process. Advises the Manager on improving the capability of the team to meet future needs through selection and development.

- Contribute to the implementation of new systems/processes and provides guidance, auditing, mentoring and analysis support to the management team.

- Provide short term relief for PA Superintendent roles. Potential to support plant activities on the off shifts as required or based on needs of the business.

- Support department in investigation of any matters related to HSER or Production based events with loss.

- Other duties/ tasks as required.

About You

Education:

- Post Secondary education in a related field.

- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation with PEGNL (eligible or obtained).

Experience:

- A minimum of 8 years experience in a similar role, preferably in a complex industrial setting.

Skills:

- Operational experience and knowledge of hydrometallurgical plants and metals refineries.

- Previous supervisor experience, preferably in a technical setting.

- Ability to lead a group of technical professionals and work collaboratively to support a diverse group of business functions.

- Superior organizational, analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a keen attention to detail.

- Ability to multitask, change priorities, problem solve and resolve conflict. Able to communicate with, build, and maintain strong positive relationships across multiple departments.

What We Offer You

- Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan

- Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package

- Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)

- Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health, dental coverage and disability plans)

- Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)

- Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth

- Employee Family Assistance Program

- Virtual Healthcare online

- A Bus Service departing from the St. John’s vicinity

Why Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, is known for its rugged coastline, rich cultural heritage, and significant natural resources. The province's economy is bolstered by a robust mining sector, where our operations play a crucial role. At Long Harbour, we operate a state-of-the-art processing plant, which refines nickel concentrate from the Voisey's Bay mine into finished nickel, copper, and cobalt products. This plant is a cornerstone of our commitment to value-added processing in Canada. Meanwhile, the Voisey's Bay mine, located in Labrador, is one of the world's most substantial nickel deposits. It provides high-quality nickel, copper, and cobalt, essential for the 21st century economy.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. Vale encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Pay Grade: F4T

Apply by: Sunday, October 26th, 2025

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