Lead, Engineering Development

Lead Engineering Development Jobs in Solwezi with First Quantum Minerals First Quantum Minerals invites applications for the position of Lead, Engineering Development based in Solwezi, Northwestern Zambia. This role offers a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about advancing technical workforce capabilities in a dynamic mining environment.

If you are seeking lead engineering development jobs in Solwezi that challenge you to innovate, develop talent, and drive operational excellence, this position is tailored for you. About the Role As Lead, Engineering Development, you will oversee the technical growth of graduates and senior staff within First Quantum’s Engineering, Maintenance, and Support Services teams.

You will design, implement, and continuously improve development programs, with a key focus on the Senior Proficiency Framework. This framework aligns with First Quantum’s Asset Management Framework, national training standards, and workforce objectives to promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities for Lead Engineering Development Jobs in Solwezi Develop and implement a structured, adaptable Senior Proficiency Framework for engineering and maintenance personnel, ensuring consistency across global sites.

Define competency-based career pathways aligned with the Asset Management Framework and integrate with reliability and operational excellence initiatives. Collaborate with HR to maintain job grading, competitive compensation, and performance-driven incentives.

Support artisan development through practical, industry-focused training aligned with the Senior Proficiency Framework. Partner with site leadership to identify skill gaps and deliver targeted development programs fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Manage succession planning in coordination with group resources to ensure workforce sustainability. Track and report on key performance indicators related to skills development and career progression.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes Knowledge:

• Competency frameworks, asset management principles, engineering and maintenance practices, national and international training standards, HR and workforce planning.

Skills:

• Program design and implementation, project management, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and reporting, facilitation and coaching, effective communication.

Attributes:

• Strategic thinking, cultural awareness, results orientation, leadership and influence, ethical and professional integrity.
• Experience and Qualifications Minimum 3 years’ experience designing and maintaining competency-based development programs for engineering and maintenance disciplines.
• 4 to 6 years’ experience working within formal Asset Management frameworks, with proven ability to translate commitments into practical development pathways and KPIs.
• 6 to 8 years’ exposure to industrial or mining environments, collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams on lifecycle asset management.
• Experience with national qualifications frameworks, industry training standards, and curriculum assessment integrity.
• Proven project management skills with over 5 years leading multi-stakeholder initiatives and influencing senior leadership.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field; postgraduate qualifications and professional certifications (ISO 55000, Reliability Engineering, Workforce Development) are advantageous.

Membership in a recognized engineering body such as the Engineering Institute of Zambia or equivalent. Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) and HR training in competency frameworks and workforce planning preferred.

Why Join First Quantum Minerals? At First Quantum, we foster a culture known as the “First Quantum Way,” where independent thinking and challenging convention are encouraged to achieve extraordinary results in extraordinary locations.

This role offers the chance to lead workforce development initiatives that directly impact operational excellence and safety in a globally respected mining company. Application Details This is a full-time position based in Solwezi, Northwestern Zambia.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date on 4 August 2026.