Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Head: Leaching in the Hydrometallurgy Division. The successful incumbent is expected to lead the execution of multiple highly complex assignments/projects that require high levels of integration and specialised knowledge and skills, as well as strong guidance to subordinates to deliver impact. Expertise at this level allows the incumbent to be seen as lead contributor and technical integrator across disciplines/more than a single research field. Makes decisions which have a major impact on the research direction and outcomes at national level.

• Needs to interpret the organizational strategy to ensure that research is aligned with the organizational strategic choices.
• Assess the environment to determine opportunities for research.
•  Develop new concepts, models and approaches as an individual technical authority / contributor.
• Operational: Systems design with integration of multiple disciplines/processes
• Discoveries/Patents: First/sole inventor at process/discipline
•  Prepares large funding proposals to personally attract funding from a variety of sources for highly complex projects. 
•  Ensure an external revenue contribution to support the activities of the research group.
• Analyses and executes coordinated research addressing complex and often unique problems that are encountered by the specific industry sector. 
• This involves properly assessing the problem and conceptualizing the research so that is adequately addresses the opportunity and that there is an adequate value proposition for delivering the research.
• Analyses, interprets and reports on highly complex research outcomes and is regarded as a national expert in a broad field, or an international expert in a specialized field. This includes reports, publications, presentations etc. at the level of national or international expert level.
•  Management of large multiyear projects and programmes, including resource and execution planning.
•  Responsible for technical signoff of the work of junior staff.
• Responsible for significant equipment / facilities.
• Work independently and provides instruction to junior staff. Receive no additional guidance and instruction on unusual and complex problems.
• Prepare reports, presentations and publications at the level of a national / international expert.
• Will lead, guide, mentor and train staff and will supervise post-graduate students.