Planner, Process Plant

About the Role

This position sits within First Quantum’s distinctive working culture, which encourages independent thinking, fresh ideas, and a practical, results-focused mindset. The organization looks for people who can identify opportunities, solve problems proactively, and deliver strong outcomes in demanding environments.

Role Purpose

The Planner, Process Plant is responsible for organizing corrective and preventive maintenance work for process plant equipment. The goal is to make the best use of available resources while keeping equipment available and maintenance work properly coordinated in line with company rules, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all applicable company requirements, policies, procedures, and legal obligations related to health, safety, environment, quality, finance, human resources, and other relevant areas.
• Plan maintenance and repair activities for plant equipment, including preventive work.
• Build and manage work orders in the CMMS, covering labour, tools, materials, and external services needed for the job.
• Set up preventive maintenance activities in the CMMS to reduce mistakes and support weekly planning.
• Draft detailed, practical job plans based on manufacturer guidance and internal procedures.
• Review job feedback after work is completed, revise plans where necessary, and highlight tasks that should be prioritized.
• Estimate and order materials for scheduled maintenance, accounting for lead times so items arrive when needed.
• Request new stock codes when required to ensure maintenance items are correctly recorded in the system.
• Maintain accurate and current bills of materials and spare-parts lists for equipment.
• Monitor maintenance budgets and update job costs to help control expenditure.
• Analyse recurring equipment failures and identify improvements that can reduce breakdowns and strengthen reliability.
• Run planning meetings with operations, maintenance, logistics, and other stakeholders, and prepare maintenance reports as needed.
• Track contractor hours and make sure time is correctly charged against purchase orders.
• Build effective working relationships and communicate clearly with colleagues in execution, planning, and commercial functions.
• In defined areas, take on short-term scheduling duties within the available scope and resources.
• Prepare weekly schedules for assigned areas where a dedicated scheduler is not available.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold either a craft qualification or a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, civil, or a related discipline. Ongoing professional development in planning and scheduling, assessments and training, project management, asset management, RCM, or similar areas is viewed favourably. All academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Computer and Systems Knowledge

• Hands-on experience with computerized maintenance management systems is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Experience with ERP platforms such as Pronto, JDE, or SAP is needed.
• Knowledge of MS Project is strongly preferred.

Experience

Candidates need at least 3 years of experience in a processing plant, preferably in mining, including at least 1 year in a planning role; alternatively, 5 or more years working as an artisan or supervisor with substantial exposure to planning processes and CMMS systems will be considered.

Behavioural Attributes

• Bolder: adaptable, versatile, and ready to take on challenges.
• Smarter: focused on efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Driven: ambitious, self-motivated, and committed to high standards.
• Together: able to communicate well and respect different viewpoints.

Operational Requirements

• Standby duty may be required.
• Shift work may be required.
• The role involves exposure to dust, heat, and noise.
• Understanding of the cultural and political context is important.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures is required.

Additional Information

If you are an existing employee, internal applications are handled through the company’s Workday career portal. The company also invites candidates to register for job alerts and follow its updates through professional networking channels.