Instrumentation Superintendent

Job description

Purpose of Role

To manage and lead the implementation regarding all aspects of instrumentation operations by driving adherence to legal and compliance and implement instrumentation strategies and policies whilst ensuring effective asset management and maintenance for the department.

Role Context

Operational Management

• Manage the implementation and alignment of Control & Instrumentation management strategies across the plant by overseeing the execution of operational plans to optimise performance and ensure cost efficiency.


• Keep abreast of changes in relevant guidelines and other legislation, to make recommendations where policies, processes and/or procedures require amendment.


• Manage the implementation of policies, processes, Operational and maintenance procedures that are within the respective Department aimed at the enhancement of service delivery and overall productivity within the Department.


• Manage the maintenance, calibration, repair and functioning of all field instrumentation equipment and control systems to ensure safe and efficient operations.


• Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimise equipment downtime and optimise performance in line with health, safety and environmental regulations in instrumentation operations and TM’s standards.


• Implement the troubleshooting and diagnostic process with regards to complex Control & Instrumentation issues and set up action plans to minimise disruptions in operations.


• Manage the execution of critical daily maintenance tasks including the planning of shutdown activities to keep equipment well-conditioned and safe to operate to optimise instrumentation performance.


• Manage the implementation of clear operational plans and principles with regards to asset management to ensure safe and reliable asset care and optimum availability of plant equipment.

Financial Management

• Analyse all relevant Department data and report on Departmental trends and operating requirements to determine funding requirements for the financial year.


• Monitor short-term Departmental budgets by scrutinising and aligning spend within the Department, to support and drive effective and efficient functioning within budgetary constraints.


• Manage team’s expenditure against budget allocations, requesting appropriate reallocation as required, to manage the prevention of unnecessary spend.


• Comply with all financial, Supply Chain Management (SCM) and other Tharisa Minerals (TM) regulations and policies by facilitating the right actions, to reduce financial risk in the Department.


• Maintain the Control & Instrumentation department’s operational budget including forecasting and cost control measures to minimise expenditure and ensure operations are adequately budgeted for. 


• Allocate resources (both financial and non-financial) including the sourcing and evaluation of vendors for Control & Instrumentation products, tools and services to meet project deadlines and operational requirements.

People Management

• Create and maintain a conducive work environment by appropriately applying Human Resources policies and procedures to ensure optimum performance is realised for the benefit of the Department and, by extension, the organisation.


• Lead the team according to TM’s leadership principles and values throughout the entire employee life cycle (performance management, reward etc) to ensure, inter alia, a high-performance culture.


• Coach mentor, guide, and provide leadership for the team, sharing impactful knowledge and identifying and recommending opportunities for growth and improvement to drive the success of the team.


• Set clear goals and objectives for the team, monitor progress and provide regular feedback and guidance to achieve the set goals in line with TM’s regulations and standards.


• Manage employee performance and forecasting the skills required to meet business demands and ensure training and upskilling initiatives to ensure the team remains competent and fit for purpose within their roles.

Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure information, advice or opinions on relevant matters is made available and/or communicated with all relevant stakeholders, to manage expectations and timelines.


• Utilise opportunities presented to enhance the relationship between management, unions and employees, and implement processes to maximise a collaborative working relationship.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, engineering and maintenance to address instrumentation related issues and provide advice and recommendations to ensure resolution and continuous improvement.

Compliance, Risk and Safety

• Keep abreast of industry legislative and regulatory changes and drive the alignment of governance, risk and compliance frameworks to ensure adherence to regulations and policies including the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996.


• Maintain the risk profile for the instrumentation department to manage critical risks and ensure feedback integration.


• Implement a work ethos across the department that is committed to safeguarding employee safety, health and wellbeing and take remedial actions where necessary to minimise incidents.


• Gather and record all maintenance and calibration activities, equipment performance and repairs to ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory standards.

Required Skill Profession

Supervisors Of Installation, Maintenance, And Repair Workers