Mine General Manager – Salt Lake City, UT

Role Overview for Mine General Manager – Salt Lake City, UT

JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a dynamic and experienced Mine General Manager on behalf of our esteemed client, a leading force in the North American mining sector. This pivotal leadership role is based at a significant, large-scale operation near the vibrant hub of Salt Lake City, Utah—a region renowned for its rich geological resources and deep-rooted mining history. We are seeking a transformative leader to assume full operational and financial responsibility for this flagship site, driving a culture of safety, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

The Mine General Manager is the most senior executive on-site, acting as the linchpin between corporate strategy and ground-level execution. This individual will be entrusted with the stewardship of a multi-million-dollar operation, a large, multi-disciplinary workforce, and the company’s reputation within the community and the industry. The ideal candidate is a seasoned mining professional with a proven track record of managing complex mining operations, demonstrating exceptional business acumen, and fostering a world-class safety culture. You will be responsible for every facet of the mine, from pit to processing, ensuring that all production targets are met safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all regulatory standards. This is a rare opportunity to make a substantial impact on a key asset within a premier organization, shaping its future success while advancing your career at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities of Mine General Manager – Salt Lake City, UT

The Mine General Manager’s responsibilities are comprehensive, requiring a blend of strategic oversight, technical expertise, and inspirational leadership. The role encompasses the following core areas:

Strategic Leadership & Operations Management

Develop and execute the site’s long-range strategic plan, aligning mine operations with the company’s overarching corporate objectives and growth targets.

Direct and coordinate all site activities across key departments, including Mine Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Geology, Processing/Metallurgy, Health & Safety, Environmental, Human Resources, and Finance.

Drive operational excellence by optimizing mine plans, production schedules, and resource allocation to maximize asset utilization and productivity.

Ensure the consistent and cost-effective achievement of all production and development targets without compromising on safety or environmental standards.

Provide regular, detailed reporting on operational performance, financial results, and strategic initiatives to the executive leadership team.

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Compliance

Champion a ‘zero harm’ safety culture, leading by example and instilling a deep-seated commitment to safety and health across the entire workforce.

Ensure unwavering compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, with a particular focus on the rigorous standards set by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations .

Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive HSE management systems, policies, and procedures.

Lead thorough investigations into any incidents or near-misses, ensuring root causes are identified and effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.

Direct all environmental stewardship programs, including reclamation, water management, and emissions control, ensuring full compliance with all environmental permits and promoting sustainable mining practices.

Financial & Performance Management

Assume full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the mine site, managing all revenue streams and cost centers to achieve profitability goals.

Develop, manage, and meticulously control the annual operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline and adherence to financial targets.

Continuously monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, production, cost-per-ton, equipment availability, and ore recovery to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Lead initiatives to optimize costs, enhance efficiency, and improve margins through process improvements, technology adoption, and strategic procurement.

Prepare and present robust business cases for capital expenditures, ensuring all investments deliver a strong return and align with the strategic mine plan.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and inspire a large and diverse team of managers, professionals, and frontline employees, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

Develop the capabilities of the site leadership team through effective coaching, performance management, and targeted development opportunities.

Champion talent management and succession planning processes to build a robust leadership pipeline and ensure operational continuity.

Oversee all aspects of human resources and labor relations on-site, including recruitment, employee engagement, and, if applicable, the effective management of collective bargaining agreements.

Stakeholder & Community Relations

Act as the primary public-facing representative of the company in the local region, building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with community leaders, government officials, regulatory agencies, and indigenous groups.

Proactively engage with the community to ensure the mine operates as a responsible and valued corporate citizen.

Manage the site’s public relations and communications strategy to maintain the company’s social license to operate.

Requirements for the Mine General Manager – Salt Lake City, UT

We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in the mining industry who possesses the technical knowledge, leadership qualities, and business acumen to excel in this demanding role.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely related technical field from an accredited university.

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in large-scale mining operations, with a clear trajectory of increasing responsibility.

A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior mine leadership role (e.g., Mine Manager, Operations Manager) with direct P&L and budgetary responsibility.

Demonstrable track record of successfully leading safe, compliant, and highly productive mining operations.

Expert-level knowledge of modern mining techniques, technologies, and equipment.

Unimpeachable understanding of MSHA regulations and a history of exemplary safety leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (M.S.) in an engineering discipline.

Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation or other relevant professional certifications.

Experience managing operations in the specific commodity sector relevant to the Salt Lake City region (e.g., base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals).

Experience in managing both open-pit and underground mining environments is highly advantageous.

Proven experience in managing a unionized workforce and leading labor relations negotiations.

Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Quality Management.

Key Competencies

Strategic Vision

The ability to think long-term, anticipate future trends, and develop robust plans to position the operation for sustained success.

Leadership & Influence

The capacity to inspire and motivate a large organization toward a common vision, building trust and credibility at all levels.

Business Acumen

A deep understanding of the financial drivers of a mining business and the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions that enhance profitability.

Decisiveness & Problem-Solving

The ability to analyze complex situations, weigh risks, and make timely, effective decisions under pressure.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Superior ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of audiences, from the boardroom to the mine face.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

A highly competitive six-figure base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

A lucrative annual performance-based bonus program tied to personal and company performance.

A significant long-term incentive plan (LTIP), such as stock options or restricted stock units, to reward long-term value creation.

A comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family.

A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company matching contribution.

Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.

A full and comprehensive relocation assistance package to ensure a smooth transition to the Salt Lake City area for the successful candidate and their family.

A company vehicle or a generous vehicle allowance.

Funding and support for ongoing professional development, including executive education, industry conference attendance, and professional memberships.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is the exclusive executive search firm retained for this critical Mine General Manager position. Due to the confidential nature of this search, all inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. We are seeking a transformative leader with a passion for operational excellence and a proven history of success in the mining industry.

If you meet the demanding requirements of this role and are ready to take on a challenge that offers significant professional rewards, we encourage you to express your interest. To submit your application and be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please visit our website. You can learn more about our expertise and submit your resume via our Mining & Minerals Executive Search Firm practice area page . We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.