Executive Engineering Director(& Board Member) - Mining Machinery / Fabrication/Engineering/Man[...]

Job Description Position Title Executive Director & Board Member – Engineering, Manufacturing & Innovation Company Mining Equipment Manufacturer Location South Africa (National base with availability for Board and Committee meetings) Reporting Line Reports to the Chairperson of the Board Works collaboratively with fellow Board Members, Executive Management, and Board Committees. Role Purpose The Executive Director & Board Member is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and technical direction to our client, with specific focus on mechanical engineering excellence, manufacturing capability, and research & development (R&D). This role combines executive-level operational insight with independent Board governance responsibilities. The incumbent will ensure that engineering strategy, production capability, and innovation initiatives are aligned with long-term shareholder value, operational sustainability, technological leadership, and sound corporate governance. Key Responsibilities 1. Board Governance & Strategic Oversight Act as a custodian of good corporate governance in accordance with King IV principles and applicable legislation. Provide independent, objective oversight of executive decision-making. Contribute to Board deliberations regarding strategy, capital allocation, sustainability, risk, and long-term growth. Uphold fiduciary duties in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders. Constructively challenge executive assumptions to strengthen strategic outcomes. Ensure engineering and innovation strategy aligns with overall corporate objectives. 2. Executive & Strategic Leadership Develop and contribute to long-term business strategies aligned with Board directives. Drive sustainable growth through innovation, operational optimisation, and strategic investment in technology. Identify new market opportunities and advancements within the drilling and engineering sectors. Ensure alignment between technical capabilities and commercial objectives. Provide high-level oversight of engineering, production, and R&D portfolios. 3. Engineering, Manufacturing & Production Oversight Provide expert guidance on: Mechanical engineering strategy Manufacturing scalability and operational efficiency Automation and engineering transformation programmes Evaluate major capital projects, plant investments, and technology upgrades. Ensure best-in-class production planning, quality assurance, cost control, and safety standards. Promote lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence initiatives. Ensure balance between engineering excellence, cost discipline, safety, and innovation. 4. Research & Development (R&D) & Innovation Provide strategic direction for R&D and product development. Oversee innovation pipelines, technology roadmaps, and commercialisation processes. Assess commercial viability and operational feasibility of new technologies. Ensure R&D investments generate measurable strategic and financial returns. Maintain our client's competitive technological advantage. 5. Risk, Safety & Compliance Oversight Contribute to oversight of: Operational and engineering risks Safety and regulatory compliance Technology and innovation risks Ensure that engineering and manufacturing decisions do not compromise safety, quality, governance, or environmental standards. Monitor adherence to ethical governance and sustainability frameworks. 6. Leadership & Organisational Capability Bring executive insight from prior leadership as Head of a Division, Department, or Business Unit. Support succession planning and executive leadership development. Promote accountability, resilience, ethical leadership, and performance discipline. Encourage diversity of thought and inclusive leadership practices at Board and executive levels. Mentor senior engineering and production leadership teams. 7. Financial & Capital Accountability Contribute to capital expenditure planning and approval of major engineering investments. Evaluate financial performance of production and R&D portfolios. Ensure disciplined resource allocation and cost optimisation. Balance technical ambition with commercial sustainability. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Mandatory) MBA or Postgraduate Business Qualification (Advantageous) Professional registration (Pr Eng / ECSA) preferred. Experience Requirements Preferred Board maturity and governance experience. Senior leadership experience as Head of Division, Department, or Business Unit Leader Or equivalent executive-level role with full P&L accountability Extensive experience in Manufacturing environments Engineering-led organisations R&D-driven or technology-intensive operations Strong exposure to capital-intensive industries. Experience operating at Executive or Board level (listed or large private organisations preferred). Strong understanding of the South African regulatory and governance environment. Core Competencies Technical & Commercial Competence Advanced mechanical engineering expertise Deep knowledge of production and manufacturing systems Strong understanding of R&D lifecycle and innovation governance Capital project evaluation capability Strong commercial acumen Leadership & Strategic Thinking Independent thinker with strong strategic foresight Executive-level decision-making capability High resilience and composure in complex environments Systems thinking and long-term orientation Interpersonal & Communication High emotional intelligence (EQ) Ability to build trust and credibility at Board and executive levels Directive yet respectful communication style Confident in constructively challenging management Governance & Integrity Strong ethical foundation High level of integrity and accountability Commitment to King IV and corporate governance principles Independent judgment and objectivity Independence & Time Commitment Must act independently of executive management where required. Availability to prepare for and attend Board and Committee meetings. Willingness to participate in site visits, strategic workshops, and special governance reviews. Key Value Contribution This Executive Director & Board Member will add value by: Strengthening engineering and innovation governance. Enhancing strategic decision-making in capital-intensive environments. Ensuring disciplined, safe, and future-focused manufacturing growth. Providing experienced oversight that balances technical excellence with commercial sustainability. Supporting sustainable long-term shareholder value creation. #J-*****-Ljbffr