Mining Director Europe

Lhoist is a family-owned company in the lime and minerals business securing a long-term position based on a solid resource and reserve position.

In the context of a decentralized organization, the new position of Director of Mining, Europe will provide strategic leadership and direction for all mining operations within the European region. This pivotal role will ensure the effective and efficient management of mining activities, adhering to the highest standards of safety, environmental, and operational performance. The Director will report directly to the Vice President of Technical, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Europe, and will have dotted line oversight of the heads of geology and mining in the four European divisions, 10 countries and more than 40 sites.

Your role and responsibilities  :  

Safety and Compliance: Ensure all mining operations comply with internal, local, national, and international regulations, and promote a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.

Strategic Leadership: Support the European Management in expansion projects and ensure the development and implementation of strategic plans for the mining operations end-to-end in Europe, aligning with the company’s global objectives.

• Land management and permitting: long-term planning of resource-related matters, progress monitoring of the divisions’ plans for land acquisitions, zoning and permitting activities at each mining site.
• Operational Excellence: Monitor the creation and implementation of the topographic and geological models, the LT and ST mining plans, ensuring they meet the operational standards, and optimize reserve utilization, production and cost efficiency.

Strategic Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to the executive team at Europe and Group levels on the performance, risks, and opportunities within the European mining operations.

Collaboration: Create and animate a network with the four heads of geology and mining in the European divisions, sharing expertise and providing guidance to achieve regional goals. Represent the European region in global efforts to create and implement standards.

Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at headquarter and local levels.

Innovation: Promote and implement innovative technologies and practices aligned with the Group efforts to enhance mining efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve operational safety.

 About you :  

• Master’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, or a related field; a MBA is a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience in the mining industry, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing mining operations and leading cross-functional teams.

• Strong knowledge of European mining regulations and industry standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization with dotted line reporting structures.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other European languages, notably French and/or German is a plus.
• Decision Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate dynamic and complex environments, comfortable with ambiguïty.
• Adopts a long-term perspective and makes decisions that lead the organization towards future objectives (typically 3 to 5 years).
• Brings a drive for action and achieves meaningful, timely, and measurable results. ​
• Approaches novel challenges with agility and courage. ​
• Leads with a clear sense of values and an uncompromising commitment to standards and ethics. ​
• Grows teams and successors within a caring environment, intentionally coaching others.
• Takes charge, effectively influencing stakeholders. ​
• Builds connections, engages the right people at the right time to foster cooperation and partnerships internally and externally. ​

Important relationships :

• All Group Technical & Manufacturing teams, specifically at Europe level
• Other Regional Mining Directors (Lhoist North America, Lhoist Latin America, Lhoist Asia) & the G&M network
• The VP GMs in the 4 regional divisions, as well as the HR Business Partners in charge of the Geology and Mining population
• Regional Finance Directors
• European Leadership Team (ability to influence and escalate when needed)
• Professional associations, universities, local communities or governmental / local bodies (adhoc)

Why join Lhoist?  

We are passionate about the business we have been in for more than a century. As a private company, we believe in continuity and look for people with a long-term vision to help us to grow. That could be you At Lhoist, people matter. Our employees’ ongoing efforts to innovate and seek out new opportunities as well as their achievements, have brought about our global success and growth. We appreciate and reward them for that. 

Our 6.400 employees in more than 25 countries create everyday solutions for a sustainable future. Reducing our carbon footprint is part of our overall commitment to develop Lhoist as a sustainable company. As a market leader in the industrial sector, it is our responsibility to plan ahead and be a part of this global transition from the start. Our strategy takes into account our three major pillars of sustainable development: planet, people and profit.    

At Lhoist, we have more than 50 nationalities. Diversity and inclusion are fundamentals to stand by our values, achieving our business goals and building a stronger group.   

Come and join us