Principal Hoisting System and Headframe Engineer

Overview

In this Principal-level role, you lead the design and delivery of mine headframes and hoisting infrastructure across Europe and Africa. You’ll embed in active projects, guiding a specialist team through concept to construction while ensuring structural integrity and load performance. You’ll apply advanced analysis to static, dynamic, wind and seismic loads and manage interfaces across the hoisting system. This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong focus on delivering safe, compliant, innovative solutions and shaping the practice.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible/hybrid working
• health & wellbeing programs
• Gymflex scheme
• Thrive health program
• employee resource groups
• development and mentoring opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design for headframes, back legs, and collar-level structures from concept to construction
• Apply advanced structural engineering principles for safe, efficient hoisting solutions under static, dynamic, fatigue, wind, seismic and operational loads
• Perform and review analyses including load assessments, rope–sheave layouts, ground–structure interaction, and temporary/permanent works design
• Coordinate interfaces across the hoisting system (bins, conveyors, houses, foundations, clearances) and produce GA drawings and 3D models
• Recruit, mentor and develop a headframe/hoisting team; define workstream strategy for Europe and Africa
• Implement QA and design review processes; promote innovation and knowledge sharing
• Support business development: identify opportunities, shape proposals, build client relationships
• Manage project scope, schedule, risk, and budgets with project managers
• Conduct site inspections; supervise erection and commissioning; advise on shaft sinking and conversion to production
• Promote health, safety, equality, and sustainability in all work activities

Key requirements

• Degree-qualified in Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering
• 10–15 years’ experience in the structural design of mine headframes/hoisting infrastructure
• Strong understanding of dynamic hoist loads, fatigue, wind/seismic, and ground–structure interaction
• Proficiency in structural analysis/modelling tools (STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, MIDAS, Robot or similar)
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and growing capability
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK, Europe and Africa
• Experience engaging with hoist OEMs and regional supply chains; additional languages are a plus

• leadership
• communication
• mentoring
• STAAD.Pro
• SAP2000
• MIDAS

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