Training & Development Officer (Operator Training MQA)

• The Training & Development Officer is a site-based specialist responsible for developing, monitoring, and continuously improving the competence, behaviour, safety awareness, and operational performance of mining Operators.
• The Officer will serve as the operational “eyes and ears” of the Regional HR Manager at site level and will work closely with Operations, Safety, Compliance, Security and Human Resources to maintain a highly skilled, disciplined, productive, and safety-conscious Operator workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operator Training & Development: Conduct and coordinate SOP, compliance, operational and Mining Health & Safety training. Provide ongoing coaching, refresher training, and practical workplace development for Operators
• Yellow Plant & Equipment Competency: Promote correct, safe, and productive operation of Excavators, Front-End Loaders (FELs), Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs), Dozers and other yellow mining machinery and vehicles.
• Behavioural Observation & Coaching: Observe Operators during daily operations, identify unsafe, unproductive, or inappropriate behaviour and provide immediate corrective coaching and development.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor Operator performance, driving ability, machine handling, productivity, discipline, equipment utilisation, and adherence to operating standards. Maintain individual performance and development records.
• Incident & Accident Analysis: Participate in the review of incidents, accidents, equipment damage, and operational losses. Identify behavioural, competency or training-related root causes and recommend corrective and preventative interventions
• Loss & Risk Mitigation: Identify operating practices that may result in equipment damage, production losses, safety incidents, or unnecessary costs and implement targeted training interventions.
• Recruitment & Selection: Support HR and Operations in the recruitment, assessment, selection, and placement of Operators by assisting with practical competency assessments and verification of operational experience.
• Skills Upliftment: Identify individual and collective skills gaps and develop targeted interventions to continuously improve the quality, productivity, and capability of Operators.
• Safety & Compliance: Reinforce compliance with SOPs, Mine Health and Safety requirements, site rules, operating procedures, PPE requirements, and established company standards.
• Ethics & Site Intelligence: Observe and report suspected unethical practices, misconduct, irregular activities, theft risks or suspicious behaviour through the appropriate HR, Security and Management channels.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Regional HR Managers, Safety Officers, Compliance Officers, Security, Supervisors and Operational Management to address people, skills, behavioural and operational risks.
• Reporting: Provide structured daily, weekly, and monthly feedback on Operator performance, training completed, skills gaps, incidents, behavioural trends, and recommended corrective actions.
• Wash Plant: Experienced in coal wash plant operations, with practical knowledge of plant processes, operator requirements, safety procedures, SOP compliance and equipment operation.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience within coal mining, mining operations, wash plant operations or a closely related mining environment.
• SETA-accredited with practical experience in operator training, assessment, coaching and competency development within the mining environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of yellow mining machinery, mobile equipment, and heavy mining vehicles.
• Sound understanding of Operator competency, machine operation, SOPs, mining safety requirements, and behavioural risk management.
• Previous experience in training, coaching, assessment, supervision, or development of mining Operators will be highly advantageous.
• Ability to analyse incidents and identify behavioural, competency and training-related causes.
• Good report-writing, communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage Operators firmly but constructively and motivate continuous improvement.
• Computer literacy and ability to maintain training and performance records.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Must preferably reside in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, or be able to work permanently from the Newcastle area and surrounding mining sites.