Product Development Specialist (Mining) AA Only
Area: Sandton
Package: Market related
Main Purpose
• To develop and execute product design, development and documentation of all non-electric detonators and components.
• To liaise closely with third party suppliers of components in order to ensure acceptable quality and compatibility with production systems in order to achieve global growth agenda.

Job Objectives
• To effectively manage the non-electric product development process from the concept phase to the commercialisation phase (prior to launch phase).
• To ensure quality of the deliverables for the non-electric projects, and to produce functional and design specifications including onsite verification of supplier processes and product delivery.
• To recommend best practice changes, adjustments or working practices to non-electric products in order to make it more efficient, cost effective, desirable or innovative (continuous improvement).
• To screen and test new non-electric product ideas for viability and feasibility to ensure that product development and growth strategies are achieved.
• To ensure job knowledge is up-to-date and to stay abreast of industry changes by studying state-of-the-art development tools/programs/techniques and conducting research on existing and new non-electric product development; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining business networks and participating in professional organizations to ensure maximum benefit for research and development efforts and non-electric products.
• To define product development measures and monitoring systems to ensure tracking of success and lessons learnt.
• To register, manage, monitor and evaluate non-electric product development initiatives/projects by tracking progress and documenting accurate record-keeping for future research purposes.
• To manage IP registration of new product patents, copyrights, and regulatory requirements to protect the intellectual property of BME.
• To present, document and report on all non-electric product developments to inform all stakeholders and ensure adherence to record-keeping requirements.
• To ensure that all the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act, OHS Act, and statutory requirements within the innovation hub are adhered to thus ensuring effective management of SHERQ and adherence to stipulated disciplines for continuous improvement of occupational Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality that impact on any organization
Job Knowledge:
• Sound knowledge of applicable non-electric detonator systems
• Knowledge of non-electric blasting equipment used in the explosives and mining operations industry
• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services
• Knowledge of SHERQ
• Extensive knowledge of mining operations
• Good working knowledge of the explosives regulations
• Knowledge of Project Management principles and methodology
• Knowledge and understanding of the global explosives/mining services industry and business needs
• A good understanding of global product usage and customer requirements pertaining to overall mining operations
• Knowledge of effective market research techniques, data consolidation and analysis
• Knowledge of design and visualisation software (i.e. AutoCAD) (E )


Job Experience:
• 3 years' management experience in non-electric product development in the field of blasting/global explosives/technology or related
• Proven track record in non-electric product development in a blasting technology or related industry
• Proven experience in risk management and mitigation
• Proven project management experience
• Experience in change management
• Demonstrated experience of continuous improvement
• Proven experience in providing advisory services to stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes
• Experience in leading and motivating multi-disciplinary teams to achieve a common goal

Education:
• BSc in Engineering, Science or related technical field
• Project Management Certification
• Evidence of continuous professional development