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This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an accomplished mining executive who can translate strategy into execution, build high-performing teams, and establish the operating discipline required to support major project development and long-life asset success. This role calls for a leader who can operate at both executive and field levels — someone who understands the complexity of mining operations, large-scale project environments, and cross-functional execution, while also fostering a culture of accountability, safety, credibility, and operational excellence.

Our client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer – Mining to provide executive leadership across mining operations, project execution, and operational readiness for a growing resource development organization with long-term ambitions in Colorado and beyond. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an accomplished mining executive who can translate strategy into execution, build high-performing teams, and establish the operating discipline required to support major project development and long-life asset success.As Chief Operating Officer – Mining, you will be responsible for leading the operational backbone of the business across development, construction readiness, startup, production, and future expansion. You will work in close partnership with the executive team to ensure the organization is positioned to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable mining performance while building the systems, people, and culture necessary for long-term growth.This role calls for a leader who can operate at both executive and field levels — someone who understands the complexity of mining operations, large-scale project environments, and cross-functional execution, while also fostering a culture of accountability, safety, credibility, and operational excellence. You will help shape the future of the business by building organizational capability from the ground up and ensuring operational priorities remain aligned with commercial, technical, permitting, and stakeholder objectives.This is a career-oriented leadership role with a long-term view and is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with substantial travel requirements.<h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Provide executive leadership for all operational aspects of the business, including mining operations, operational readiness, project execution support, startup planning, and performance delivery. </li><li>Develop and implement operating strategies aligned with the organization’s long-term business objectives, growth plans, and asset development priorities. </li><li>Lead and integrate cross-functional teams across operations, technical services, project development, health and safety, environment, maintenance, and related functions. </li><li>Build the systems, processes, and operating disciplines required to support safe startup, reliable production, continuous improvement, and long-term expansion. </li><li>Establish clear performance expectations and accountability across safety, productivity, cost management, quality, reliability, and operational risk. </li><li>Drive a “without harm” operating philosophy that protects people, assets, communities, reputation, and business continuity. </li><li>Support major project development by contributing operational input to scoping studies, execution strategy, commissioning readiness, and transition-to-operations planning. </li><li>Lead workforce capability development across operations, including recruitment, succession planning, training, and leadership development. </li><li>Partner with permitting, community relations, legal, commercial, finance, and executive stakeholders to ensure operational priorities are fully integrated into broader business decision-making. </li><li>Identify and manage operational and business risks, ensuring appropriate mitigation plans, emergency preparedness, contractor oversight, and governance standards are in place. </li><li>Build and sustain a resilient culture grounded in safety, entrepreneurial problem solving, decentralized decision making, and performance accountability. </li><li>Act as a visible leader internally and externally, helping reinforce organizational credibility and long-term strategic direction.</li></ul>Requirements<ul><li>Proven executive or senior operational leadership experience in mining, with responsibility for complex site operations, multiple functions, or large-scale asset development. </li><li>Strong background in mine operations, operational excellence, production leadership, and/or project-to-operations transition. </li><li>Demonstrated success leading in high-accountability, capital-intensive, and technically complex environments. </li><li>A track record of building and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams. </li><li>Clear commitment to safety leadership, risk management, and creating a culture centered on zero harm. </li><li>The ability to operate strategically while remaining grounded in practical execution and field realities. </li><li>Experience working across functions to align operations with project, technical, commercial, and stakeholder priorities. </li><li>Strong communication, leadership presence, and decision-making capability in dynamic and evolving environments. </li><li>A self-starting, resilient, and commercially aware leadership style with sound judgment. </li><li>The ability to support and lead a multi-generational workforce while strengthening organizational capability over time. </li><li>A reasoned and responsive approach to balancing operational performance, growth, risk, and long-term asset value. </li></ul><h3>Preferred Background</h3><ul><li>Significant leadership experience in mining, mineral resources, industrial minerals, base metals, critical minerals, or related sectors. </li><li>Experience supporting assets through one or more of the following phases: development, construction, commissioning, startup, ramp-up, operations, and expansion. </li><li>Familiarity with owner’s team environments, large project execution, or long-life asset development is highly desirable. </li><li>Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Geology, Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced qualifications beneficial but not required. </li><li>Experience in the western United States or similarly complex stakeholder and regulatory environments is advantageous.</li></ul>BenefitsCompetitive base compensation and incentive opportunity. The chance to play a central leadership role in a significant long-term mining development. Executive visibility and broad operational influence across the business. The opportunity to build teams, shape culture, and create lasting impact. Career development, long-term challenge, and the ability to contribute to a business of meaningful scale and importance.Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit<a class="external" href="https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-colorado-springs/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-colorado-springs/</a>Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. Privacy and Pay Equity: <ul><li>California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at <a class="external" href="http://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.kellerexecutivesearch.com</a>. </li></ul><ul><li>Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. </li></ul><ul><li>Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. </li></ul>State-Specific Information: <ul><li>Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. </li></ul><ul><li>Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. </li></ul><ul><li>New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. </li></ul>Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.  Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Mining Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO

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Mining Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO

Chief Operating Officer - Mining #0405KC Keller Executive Search

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