Master Scheduler

About Thungela

Thungela Resources is a leading South African thermal coal producer, focusing exclusively on thermal coal mining and export primarily to markets in India, Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. As one of the largest pure-play thermal coal producers in South Africa by reserves and output, Thungela emphasized innovation and sustainability in mining operations.

Role Summary

The Master Scheduler position involves creating short-term production schedules that help Section Managers meet budget and operational strategies. This role is critical to maintaining asset value and ensuring smooth production execution by coordinating daily schedules and managing resource allocations.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather inputs to draft the schedule window, including approved notifications, production strategies, and execution schedule details like work dates, durations, and resource availability.
• Assign scheduled start dates and identify critical issues based on execution requirements and experience.
• Set task start times to align with completion windows, confirming resources such as equipment, workplace access, labor, and spares.
• Group compatible tasks to optimize synergies and sequence dependent tasks properly.
• Review daily task status reports, schedule new approved work, and monitor upcoming tasks.
• Monitor Resource Status Reports to track delivery of materials and spares, adjusting schedules if delays occur.
• Collaborate across departments to schedule approved work in advance, ensuring alignment to work management principles.
• Liaise with personnel responsible for executing scheduled activities and secure necessary approvals and agreements.
• Conduct daily management engagement with supervisors regarding schedule performance, risks, and opportunities, escalating issues as needed.
• Organize and facilitate weekly schedule meetings and integrated schedule review sessions with relevant participants.
• Present previous week Key Performance Indicators such as schedule compliance, scheduled, and urgent work.
• Adhere to management routine accountabilities and participate in Work Management assurance reviews.
• Coach site personnel in the use of SAP, Work Management (WM) systems, Measurement Work Management, and WEP tools.
• Manage performance and wellbeing of the reporting team including planners and clerical staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• BTech, BEng, or BSc degree in Engineering or Mining.
• Prior training in SAP, Work Execution Planning (WEP), and Prometheus systems.
• At least 5 years professional experience in mining and engineering environments.
• Minimum 2 years in a management capacity.
• Strong knowledge of mine scheduling and work management processes.
• Experience in production planning and production support.
• Competency with Microsoft Office and Power BI.
• Good presentation and report writing skills.
• Project planning experience is advantageous.

Additional Information

• Familiarity with Mine Health and Safety Act, Environmental Legislation, and Minerals Act.
• Understanding of operational value chains in underground and opencast coal mining.
• Broad knowledge of mining industry disciplines.
• Working knowledge of supply chain systems and relevant SAP modules.

Compensation and Culture

Thungela offers a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside significant opportunities for technical training, leadership development, and career progression within a growing multinational mining company.

Inclusion and Diversity

The company is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and provides equal chances for all employees to achieve their full potential.

Safety Commitment

Safety is paramount at Thungela. The company upholds the highest industry safety standards and invests in modern technologies like drones and data analytics to maintain a secure work environment.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete the online application form and attach their CV and related documents. The closing date for applications is 24 January 2026.