Manager – Regional Commercial

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

 

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:

Purpose of the role

First Quantum Minerals is a leading Canadian-based global mining and metals company focused on producing copper, nickel, gold, and cobalt. As a company, we strive for continuous excellenc, and after 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, exporting millions of tonnes of concentrate from multiple countries to customers worldwide. Our operations and future developments span across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas, and we are globally recognised for our specialist technical, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to unlock value from complex mineral projects and deliver rewarding careers for our people, returns for our shareholders and sustainable development for the many local communities that host our operations. As we expand our operations, continue to provide metals to build the modern world and shift to a low carbon, greener economy in the years ahead, our mining projects will continue to require the best and the brightest talent to help us solve the emerging challenges of our time, shape our business and unlock opportunities for our future.

 

At First Quantum, our people are the key to our continued success. Reporting to the Group Manager, Commercial, this role is part of the Group Commercial team and is responsible for leading the Zambia-focused group commercial function, aligning and influencing site-based contracts and supply chain activities across First Quantum’s Zambian operations, specifically Kansanshi and Trident.

 

This role is critical in bridging site-level execution with broader group strategy, fostering cross-site collaboration, and unlocking commercial value through integrated procurement, standardized contract frameworks, and strategic supplier engagement. Over time, the role will also contribute to global commercial initiatives in partnership with the wider Group Commercial team, ensuring consistency, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation across the business.

 

Job & Candidate Requirements 

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively promote collaboration between site commercial teams to unlock synergies and joint value creation while minimizing operational silos, especially during periods of site-specific pressure.
• Identify inefficiencies in supply chain processes and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support the group’s working capital targets. This includes leading demand forecasting, inventory rationalization, and logistics improvements across both sites.
• In collaboration with site teams, develop and implement effective inventory control strategies to optimize stock levels, reduce carrying costs, avoid stockouts/overstocks, and streamline logistics and transportation networks.
• Lead efforts to standardize and automate order processing, procurement, and fulfilment workflows. Support business requirements gathering and implementation of new systems, including working with third-party software providers.
• Ensure adherence to master data standards, regulatory compliance, and supply chain governance frameworks. Champion continuous improvement in supply chain analytics and KPI tracking.
• Spearhead development of group-wide supply agreements with major OEMs, initially focusing on Zambia with a view to expand globally, including South American operations, to drive standardization, cost savings, and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Drive the implementation of local procurement policies in response to changing regulatory landscapes. Ensure both compliance and value creation, while building supplier capacity and supporting sustainable community development.
• Act as the regional lead for identifying and implementing logistics integration opportunities between KMP and Trident, with support from relevant internal stakeholders.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize operational disruptions, especially across cross-border and high-dependency supply nodes.

 

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commercial Law, or a related field is required.
• Undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Industrial Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Law, or Commerce.

 

Experience & Skills Required:

• 10+ years’ experience in senior commercial, contracts, or supply chain roles within the mining, energy, or heavy industrial sectors, including multi-site or regional leadership.
• Deep understanding of contract law, complex negotiation strategy, and commercial risk management, with demonstrated success in leading high-value agreements.
• Experience managing cross-border contracts and regional procurement strategies, including OEM frameworks and major capital/project delivery models (EPC/EPCM).
• Proven track record in driving operational efficiencies, inventory optimization, and working capital improvements through strategic supply chain leadership.

 

Other Requirements:

Candidates must be self-starters, hands-on, result-oriented with strong ownership and comfort around ambiguity Candidates must be flexible and have the ability to work in a dynamic environment, showing natural agility Candidates must show willingness to be flexible with travel and work location. This role is based on operational site with frequent travel to the other Zambian operations and ad-hoc travel to FQM’s different global sites as required. Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in other languages highly regarded

 

Core Values & Behavioural Profile:

FQM’s culture is centred on fostering innovation, harnessing original thinking and challenging convention. We work Bolder, Smarter, Driven, and Together. These 4 pillars are the keys to our growth in the past, the success of our present, and the foundations of our continued evolution and improvement into the future.

 

BOLDER

Comfortable in an atmosphere where freedom, flexibility and challenging convention is ingrained into the culture Driven, versatile and thrives in a challenging environment. Excellent business acumen, risk assessment ability and ability to balance competing interests of businesses at varied stages of their evolution Strong ability to navigate complexity, operate with minimal bureaucracy and act strategically Highly flexible an adaptable to fast changing priorities

 

SMARTER

Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative and work with minimal supervision Promotes a continuous improvement mind-set and challenges self and others to identify and implement opportunities for improvement Ability to see the big picture and take an objective view Naturally creative and a strong, independent, free thinker

 

DRIVEN

Focused, detail orientated, well organised and an efficient self-starter. Known for their dynamism and tenacity through a superior work ethic. Aspires for excellence, setting high standards and taking accountability for performance Results focused with a track record of achievement and exceeding targets Thrives in high pressure, demanding, deadline-driven environment

 

TOGETHER

Calm, confident and collaborative with an approachable, professional demeanour Willingness to perform work scope outside of the core responsibilities of the role Strong influencing and decision making capability Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to develop and sustain relationships and trust with business and functions at all levels and in a range of cultures Ability to work with both internal and external stakeholders with diverse external background. Robust character able to manage difficult individuals with tact and professionalism High level of personal credibility and strong adherence to the highest ethical standards

 

Additional Information

 

First Quantum Benefits

 

A dynamic, challenging and extraordinary working environment where safety is a number one priority

Opportunity to develop within a growing company that is currently one of the world’s top 10 copper producers

Highly competitive base compensation & financial incentives (discretionary bonuses & Long term share plan)

Attractive benefits package & leave options aligned with local market best practice

Performance over presence culture & flexible working environment as per business requirements

 

Diversity & Inclusion

At FQM, while at the beginning of our D&I journey, we are committed to embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion into our culture, company and practices with the aim of ensuring an environment of equity irrespective of race, gender, age, religion, identity or experience.

 

Office or Operation’s Location Residential role in Zambia