Project Lead - Manager

We are currently seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Lead to join a large mining company on a 12-month contract, delivering a portfolio of underground capital projects.

This role is ideally suited to a Mechanical Engineer with strong underground mining experience, preferably within hard-rock operations, who enjoys working across diverse brownfield and sustaining capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple underground mining capital projects across study, definition and execution phases
• Develop and manage concept and feasibility studies, including scope development, cost estimation, risk identification, and technical evaluation
• Provide mechanical engineering leadership across underground infrastructure and equipment projects such as pumping systems, dewatering infrastructure, materials handling systems, ventilation infrastructure, mechanical installations and underground services
• Prepare and manage business cases through formal tollgate governance processes
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams including mechanical, electrical, civil, mining and operational stakeholders
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget and risk, ensuring delivery in line with company governance frameworks
• Oversee engineering design, procurement, installation and commissioning of mechanical systems where required
• Develop technical documentation, project reports, and governance packs for senior leadership review
• Ensure projects meet safety, operational, and regulatory standards, particularly within underground environments
• Maintain strong engagement with site operations, maintenance teams and technical services

About You

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience delivering capital projects within underground mining environments
• Hard rock mining experience strongly preferred
• Strong background in engineering studies, feasibility development and project justification
• Experience with brownfield underground infrastructure or sustaining capital projects
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across the full project lifecycle
• Strong commercial acumen including budgeting, cost control and business case development
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and reporting skills

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.