Field Operations Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Sweden.

📋 Description

• Oversee the planning of intricate exploration initiatives and moderately sized development programs in Sweden, encompassing drilling operations, electromagnetic surveys, and reconnaissance efforts.

• Manage 1–3 simultaneous projects of diverse scale, complexity, and jurisdiction, with full accountability for their planning and execution.

• Direct procurement strategies, including contractor selection, bid assessment, benchmarking, and contract management for Sweden-based projects.

• Create detailed risk and hazard identification plans, risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and critical control implementations, paying special attention to Swedish winter construction challenges.

• Facilitate project kick-off meetings with integrated teams and contractors, discussing scope, execution strategies, and risk management protocols.

• Collaboratively contribute to data collection planning during Phase 4a of the Exploration Project Lifecycle.

• Develop innovative field operations scenarios that transcend conventional boundaries, leading to more efficient programs.

• Oversee the complete execution of assigned projects from mobilization to demobilization and closure.

• Provide robust leadership during fluctuating field conditions, including Arctic and sub-Arctic weather challenges.

• Monitor and forecast production rates, expenditure profiles, and resource needs.

• Manage and direct all field activities, including contractor performance assessments, feedback, and improvements.

• Maintain daily communication with KoBold personnel and contractors in the field, ensuring close coordination with the Project Geologist, Project Data Scientist, and Senior Project Planner.

• Spearhead site remediation and rehabilitation efforts in compliance with Swedish regulatory standards.

• Conduct contractor performance reviews and compile lessons learned to foster continuous improvement.

• Ensure execution aligns with regulatory compliance, monitoring, and reporting as per Swedish mining and environmental legislation (including the Mining Act 621/2011 and Environmental Protection Act), EU regulations, and the practices of our joint venture partners.

• Ensure operations are conducted within Swedish permitting frameworks, land access agreements, community relations, third-party agreements, and any joint venture obligations.

• With leadership support, represent KoBold Metals to local Swedish stakeholders, including communities, landowners, municipal authorities, and environmental organizations.

• Develop operational practices that enhance our effectiveness and agility, enabling us to support data-driven, machine-learning-focused field programs and adapt our plans based on collected data at each stage.

• Mentor Field Operations Supervisors to ensure adherence to KoBold’s systems, practices, and leading industry standards.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in field operations within mineral exploration and mining, oil and gas, or a related industry, demonstrating a progression in complexity and responsibility.

• Advanced knowledge of construction methodologies, including winter and frozen-ground construction (tracks, pads, ice roads) applicable to Nordic operational contexts.

• In-depth understanding of helicopter-supported exploration, including optimization of utilization and emergency response planning.

• Strong grasp of procurement processes, including RFP development, bid evaluation, and contract management.

• Comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation and closure planning.

• Proven commitment to health and safety standards, including incident management, root cause analysis, and implementation and verification of corrective actions.

• Strong conceptual knowledge of all HSE, Land and Permitting, Legal, and Business Development systems as related to exploration projects.

• Capability to manage and supervise KoBold staff and contractors across all facets of field activities, particularly complex and higher-risk programs.

• Proficiency in designing intricate field programs, including scope, cost estimates, risk assessments, procurement, and project execution plans.

• Ability to produce complete and precise deliverables based on the Exploration Project Lifecycle and synthesize findings for integrated project teams and leadership.

• Willingness to work in remote and isolated locations for extended durations, including in Swedish Norrbotten and other Nordic environments.

• High degree of independence and effectiveness while working with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both Swedish and English; additional language skills are advantageous.

• Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance

• Retirement plans

• Paid time off

• Flexible work arrangements

• Professional development