Senior Technical Advisor Control & Instrumentation Systems

Kamoto Copper Company Société Anonyme, KCC SA in acronym, is a Congolese company operating in Kolwezi, capital of the province of Lualaba, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

KCC SA exploits copper and cobalt ores on a large scale. It includes an underground mine, open-pit mines and integrated metallurgical facilities. The operation has one of the largest copper reserves in the world, with a current life of over 25 years.

As an industrial mining company, we provide safe workplaces and support the sustainable development of the local economy. We maintain a constructive and open dialogue with the communities that host us, as well as with the provincial and national government.

Job description.

Under the direct supervision of the Operational Technology Manager, is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of all control and instrumentation systems across multiple sites within the organization. The incumbent ensures that C&I systems function efficiently, meet safety and compliance standards, and support operational reliability and performance at a central level.

He/She will have, among other things, the following essential functions (non-exhaustive):

1.    Leadership

•    Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the C&I team across multiple sites.
•    Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of C&I engineers, technicians, and artisans.
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and compliance. •    Develop and implement training programs to enhance team capabilities.

2.    Control & instrumentation system management

•    Define and oversee the deployment of control and instrumentation strategies across sites.
•    Ensure the proper design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of PLC, SCADA, DCS, and other automation systems.
•    Ensure uniformity and integration of automation platforms across various plants. •    Implement remote monitoring and diagnostics capabilities for improved system visibility and predictive maintenance.
•    Conduct system upgrades, replacements, and improvements to enhance performance, efficiency, and cybersecurity resilience across sites.
•    Define and standardize spare parts management strategies for critical C&I equipment.

3.   Maintenance & reliability

•   Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure long-term sustainability of C&I assets.
•    Conduct reliability assessments, failure analyses, and root cause investigations for instrumentation and control systems.
•    Oversee the execution of major maintenance shutdowns, ensuring seamless integration of C&I tasks into the broader maintenance schedule. •    Utilize data analytics and digitalization tools to enhance asset performance monitoring.
•    Define and enforce best practices in the execution of corrective and preventive maintenance tasks.

4.    Compliance & safety

•    Ensure all C&I systems comply with national and international electrical, instrumentation, and safety regulations.
•    Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses to ensure the safe operation of all control and instrumentation systems.
•    Enforce adherence to electrical and instrumentation isolation, lockout, and permit-to-work procedures. •    Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions as required.
•    Work closely with the HSE team to implement risk mitigation measures for C&I operations.

5.     management & continuous improvement

•    Lead the planning, design, and execution of C&I-related projects, including automation and digital transformation initiatives.
•    Work closely with engineering, operations, and project teams to ensure successful project execution and commissioning of new systems.
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as process automation, condition-based monitoring, and advanced control systems. •    Assess new technologies and innovations that could enhance plant productivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
•    Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate the performance of C&I systems across the company.

6.    Stakeholder engagement

•    Collaborate with site engineering teams, maintenance teams, and operations leadership to ensure C&I systems support operational needs
•    Engage with external vendors, suppliers, and OEMs to ensure best practices in equipment procurement, support, and service agreements.
•    Ensure clear and structured communication with executive management regarding system reliability, risk management, and optimization initiatives. •    Work closely with IT and cybersecurity teams to protect C&I systems from potential cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Job requirements.

Qualifications and experience.

•    Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Instrumentation and Control Engineering or related field.
•    Experience: Minimum 7 years in a C&I role within mining, processing, or heavy industry, with at least 5 years in a senior supervisory/leadership position.
•    Technical Expertise: •    Extensive knowledge of PLC, SCADA, DCS, and industrial automation systems.
•    Expertise in field instrumentation, sensors, calibration techniques, and industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
•    Strong understanding of cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies in industrial automation systems.
•    Advanced proficiency in reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methodologies for C&I assets.
•    Experience in developing and implementing company-wide automation and control strategies.
•    Certifications: Relevant professional certifications in instrumentation, control systems, or automation (e.g., ISA, ECSA registration) are an advantage.
•    Software Proficiency: Proficiency in engineering design tools, control system software, and CMMS (SAP preferred).
•    Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale automation projects and upgrades.

Technical skills.

•    Strong leadership and strategic management capabilities.
•    Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
•    Expertise in project planning, budgeting, and cost control. •    Ability to work cross-functionally and engage with various stakeholders.
•    Strong communication and presentation skills to influence decision-making.
•    Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities across different sites.
•    Commitment to driving innovation and continuous improvement.
•    Identifies root causes of data issues and implements corrective actions.
•    Uses analytics to drive improvements in data quality and operational efficiency.
•    Builds strong relationships with site maintenance, operations, and IT teams.
•    Communicates clearly and effectively to support end-users and stakeholders.
•    Thrives in a dynamic, site-based environment with shifting priorities. 

Attitude/Behavior.

•   Accuracy and precision: Ensure detailed and error-free work.
•   Leadership: Lead and motivate the team effectively.
•   Responsiveness: Make quick decisions in case of issues. •  Safety focus: Ensure compliance with safety standards and continuous training for the team.

KCC SA does not accept applications submitted by people under the age of eighteen (18). In accordance with article 1 of the Labor Code of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KCC SA receives all applications without distinction or discrimination. However, as part of its Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, applications from women are strongly encouraged.

In accordance with our Compliance Policy and Code of Conduct, KCC SA or its employees do not receive any remuneration or benefits of any kind at any stage of the recruitment process. Violators are subject to legal action.

Any act or attempt of bribery related to this job application must be reported via the Glencore Group Raising Concerns Programme channels. Please scan the QR code to access the channels.

Furthermore, KCC SA pursues the objective of a transparent, fair and equitable recruitment process and, therefore, does not tolerate any interference or intervention in any way whatsoever in its recruitment process. Any failure on this point will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate concerned.