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Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.
Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.
Job description:
About the Role
Cobre Panama is seeking an accomplished Head of IT (Site) to lead the ICT function. This is a senior site-based leadership role with full accountability for ICT operations, governance, cybersecurity, digital enablement, and business engagement.
The role serves as the face and voice of IT at site, acting as the primary conduit between Site Leadership and Group IT. The successful candidate will ensure technology reliably enables safe production, supports critical mine systems, and delivers measurable business value, while aligning with First Quantum’s global ICT standards and roadmap.
Key Accountabilities
ICT Strategy & Leadership
Define, own, and deliver the Site ICT Roadmap, aligned with Group ICT strategy and site business objectives
Represent ICT in site leadership forums, positioning technology as a strategic business enabler
Translate operational challenges into structured ICT initiatives with clear scope, cost, benefit, and delivery plans
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, including digital, data, automation, and AI enabled solutions, relevant to the mining environment
Operations & Service Excellence
Overall accountability for 24/7 availability and resilience of critical ICT services supporting mine operations
Governance of end to end ICT service delivery across infrastructure, applications, communications, and end user services
Act as the final escalation point for critical ICT incidents impacting production, safety, or business continuity
Ensure compliance with Group ICT standards, policies, and local regulatory requirements
Business Engagement & Value Delivery
Act as the primary ICT partner to site stakeholders, providing guidance, coaching, and challenge to ensure adherence to ICT governance
Lead and direct ICT Business Analysts to identify, prioritize, and deliver initiatives that improve ways of working and business outcomes
Influence behaviors and decision making to drive effective use of technology across the site
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Own site level cybersecurity and ICT risk management, aligned with Group frameworks and industry standards
Oversee access control governance, vulnerability management, and security incident response
Partner with operations to ensure OT/IT environments and production critical systems are protected
Champion cybersecurity awareness and responsible technology use across the workforce
Infrastructure, Vendors & Financial Control
Govern the lifecycle, performance, and architecture of ICT and telecommunications infrastructure
Manage local and global vendors, ensuring performance, value, and contractual compliance
Own the ICT operational and capital budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and business case development
Deliver a local ICT management office function covering licenses, contracts, and commercial oversight
People Leadership & Capability Development
Lead, develop, and inspire a multidisciplinary ICT team operating in a demanding, operationally critical environment
Build capability through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and targeted skill development
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
Requirements:
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology or a related discipline
Postgraduate or professional certifications are advantageous
Experience & Skills
10+ years’ experience in complex, global ICT environments, with significant time in senior leadership roles
Strong understanding of end to end ICT delivery, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and service management
Experience supporting industrial or operational technology environments (mining, energy, utilities, or heavy industry preferred)
Proven ability to manage budgets, vendors, and large-scale ICT operations
Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the credibility to influence senior leaders
Experience working within multinational organizations with group level ICT governance
Operational Requirements
Mine site-based role
Willingness to travel to remote and international locations as required
Availability for critical incident support when needed
Why Join First Quantum?
Join a multinational mining organization with global operations and long-term growth ambitions
Lead a broad, end to end ICT portfolio, spanning infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and business engagement
Take on a high impact site leadership role where technology directly supports safety, production, and operational performance
Work closely with Group ICT Centers of Excellence, contributing to enterprise-wide initiatives while retaining site ownership
Operate in a complex, production critical environment that offers challenge, variety, and professional growth
Opportunity to shape, mature, and future proof site ICT capability within a respected global organization
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