Exploration Manager - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking an Exploration Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead the identification and evaluation of gold mineral assets. This role drives the technical strategy for securing domestic feedstock through rigorous geological assessment and drilling programs. The manager ensures all exploration activities comply with Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources regulations and international reporting standards.

The Exploration Manager will report directly to the Exploration Director and will play a key role in expanding SGR's resource base. This position impacts the company's long-term supply security by delivering validated mineral resources for downstream refining operations.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities define the core accountabilities for this position.

Exploration Strategy Execution

The role develops and implements annual exploration plans that target high-potential gold deposits within licensed concessions. This includes budget management and resource allocation to maximize discovery potential.

Field Operations Oversight

This position supervises drilling contractors and field teams to ensure safe and efficient data collection. It enforces strict adherence to technical specifications and HSE protocols during all field activities.

Resource Modeling and Estimation

The manager oversees the creation of geological models and mineral resource estimates using industry-standard software. It ensures all estimates comply with JORC or NI 43-1 reporting codes.

Regulatory Compliance Management

The role maintains all necessary exploration licenses and permits through proactive engagement with MIM and SGS. It submits required technical reports and ensures full compliance with Saudi mining laws.

Data Quality Assurance

This position implements rigorous QA/QC procedures for sampling and assay processes to guarantee data integrity. It validates laboratory results through systematic analysis of standards and duplicates.

Team Leadership and Development

The manager recruits and mentors geological staff to build a competent and safety-conscious team. It conducts performance evaluations and fosters professional growth among direct reports.

Stakeholder Engagement

The role liaises with internal departments and external partners to align exploration activities with corporate goals. It manages relationships with local communities and regulatory authorities to facilitate smooth operations.

Technical Due Diligence

This position evaluates potential acquisition targets or joint venture opportunities through technical assessment. It provides recommendations on the geological viability and risk profile of new assets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences is required for this position.
• Candidates must have at least 15 years of exploration experience with 5 years in a management role.
• Proven expertise in gold exploration within arid environments is essential.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software such as Leapfrog Geo or Datamine is required.
• Strong knowledge of JORC or NI 43-1 reporting standards is mandatory.
• Experience in managing drilling contractors and field operations is necessary.
• Fluency in English is required for technical reporting and communication.
• Willingness to travel to remote sites within Saudi Arabia is a condition of employment.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Advanced degree in Economic Geology or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with Saudi mining regulations and MIM licensing processes is advantageous.
• Professional geologist certification is highly desirable.
• Experience in metallurgical testing and refining integration is a plus.

Success Metrics

• Completion of the annual drilling program within the approved budget and timeline.
• Delivery of a compliant mineral resource estimate for priority targets.
• Zero recordable safety incidents during field operations.
• Timely renewal of all exploration licenses without regulatory issues.
• Implementation of a validated QA/QC protocol for all assay data.
• Successful mentoring and development of at least two junior geologists.
• Identification of new high-potential targets for future exploration cycles.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.