Electrical Supervisor

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Purpose of the Role

To supervise and coordinate all electrical maintenance, installation, and repair activities within assigned areas of the mine to ensure equipment reliability, safety, and compliance with relevant regulations. The role focuses on optimizing plant uptime, maintaining electrical systems, and leading a team of qualified personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise and execute the electrical maintenance of plant equipment including motors, switchgear, transformers, MCCs, PLC panels, lighting systems, and power distribution lines.
Allocate daily tasks to electricians and monitor execution to ensure standards, timelines, and safety procedures are met.
Respond to electrical breakdowns promptly and provide effective troubleshooting and repair solutions to minimize equipment downtime.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for critical electrical systems.
Conduct inspections, condition monitoring, and testing of electrical equipment using diagnostic tools such as insulation testers, thermal imagers, and earth testers.
Recommend improvements to increase equipment reliability and lifespan.
Enforce strict adherence to electrical safety standards, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and all site-specific safety protocols.
Lead safety briefings, toolbox talks, and risk assessments for electrical tasks.
Ensure all work complies with Zambian electrical regulations, international standards (e.g., IEC, NEC), and mining safety codes.
Supervise, train, and mentor electricians and apprentices to improve technical skills and job performance.
Monitor attendance, discipline, and overall team performance.
Support continuous development by identifying training needs and recommending courses or practical development.
Collaborate with the planning team to schedule daily, weekly, and shutdown maintenance work.
Ensure accurate logging of all maintenance activities, failure reports, and work orders using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) such as SAP or Pronto.
Prepare shift reports, incident logs, and maintenance summaries for management.
Ensure the availability and proper use of materials, spare parts, and PPE required for electrical tasks.
Raise requisitions for materials and track usage and stock levels.
Ensure all electrical tools and testing equipment are properly calibrated and maintained.
Participate in plant upgrades, commissioning, and modification projects.
Provide input into design reviews and electrical layout drawings.
Coordinate with contractors and project teams for installation and commissioning of new equipment.

Qualifications

Full Grade 12 School Certificate
Advanced Certificate, Craft Certificate, or Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current or equivalent)
Valid ZESCO/ERB license (Registered Electrical Technician or higher)
Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)

Experience

Minimum 5 years of electrical maintenance experience in a mining or industrial environment
Minimum 2 years in a supervisory role
Proven experience with high-voltage and low-voltage systems
Familiarity with PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) is an added advantage
Experience with CMMS tools such as SAP or Pronto preferred

Behavioural Traits

Strong leadership and communication skills
Attention to detail and safety-oriented mindset
Ability to work under pressure and manage priorities
Proactive problem-solving and decision-making ability
Committed to teamwork and operational excellence

Operational Requirements

Ability to work shifts, weekends, and be on-call for emergencies
Physically fit and medically cleared for site work
Willingness to work in harsh and challenging mining environments
Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools