Specialist Process Improvement - Digital Business Systems

About the Role

At First Quantum Minerals, our distinct culture called the "First Quantum Way" empowers our people to think boldly and independently to uncover opportunities, address challenges, and deliver impactful results. We operate in extraordinary locations requiring innovative thinking and a challenge to conventional practices.

This opportunity is based at Kansanshi Mining Plc in Solwezi, Zambia, within the Commercial Department under the Contracts Section, reporting directly to the Manager, Commercial.

Role Purpose

The key objective for the Digital Business Systems Improvement Specialist is to support the Commercial team by harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to transform processes, boost operational effectiveness, reduce costs, and enhance commercial outcomes. The specialist develops digital tools, AI bots, and business improvement strategies to improve commercial governance, data integrity, and informed decision-making across Kansanshi Mining Plc and First Quantum Minerals.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and deploy digital solutions including AI bots, reports, and data modeling tools to advance contractor management and optimize the commercial operational workflow.
• Design AI Copilot-enabled applications to elevate the accuracy, completeness, legal compliance, risk mitigation, and cost-effectiveness of commercial contracts.
• Implement AI Copilot systems to assist users with drafting scopes that fully conform to contractual standards.
• Standardize commercial processes and data frameworks to enhance governance, consistency, and the integrity of commercial deliverables company-wide.
• Develop and maintain unified labour and materials price books to ensure consistent pricing, transparency, cost regulation, and commercial oversight across divisions and sites.
• Create and sustain dashboards and reporting mechanisms to deliver real-time tracking of commercial operations like sourcing, contracting, logistics, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Analyze company datasets to identify trends, patterns, and optimization opportunities aimed at improving efficiency and commercial outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including IT, Inventory, Engineering, and Planners to define data requirements and implement improvement initiatives successfully.
• Lead ongoing enhancement initiatives centered on refining processes, ensuring data accuracy, reducing costs, mitigating risks, and strengthening compliance.
• Maintain rigorous standards for data quality, governance, and consistency across all commercial platforms and outputs.
• Act as an expert resource in data governance, analytics, and digital solutions supporting company-wide projects and IT integrations.
• Document technical and operational details for digital tools, AI solutions, and commercial processes.
• Engage closely with IT teams at Kansanshi Mining Plc and First Quantum Minerals to align IT initiatives with business demands and ensure their successful implementation.

Value-Add Deliverables

• Integration of AI-driven Copilot technologies into commercial workflows to enhance contract precision, compliance, and risk management.
• Harmonized and regulated commercial agreement procedures across departments and mining sites.
• Centralized and governed price books enabling pricing uniformity and better cost management.
• Enhanced commercial visibility and performance monitoring through dynamic dashboards and analytical tools.
• Data-driven commercial decision-making empowered by high-quality, structured, and governed information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Business Analytics or a related discipline is required, verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
• A Master’s degree is considered an advantage.
• Certifications in data analytics, business intelligence, or process improvement are desirable though not mandatory.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in software development, AI application, data analytics, commercial analysis, or business improvement roles.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools such as SQL, Python, VBA, JavaScript, C++, and Java.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and infrastructure including AWS, Google Cloud, Linux, and PostgreSQL.
• Strong grasp of statistical and analytical techniques.
• Proven experience collaborating effectively across business and technical teams.

Behavioral Attributes

• Strong communication skills and ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership capability and critical thinking aptitude.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving with an emphasis on continuous process improvement.
• Capacity to thrive under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with excellent technical aptitude for accurate task execution.
• Expertise in multitasking, time management, and planning.
• Excellent presentation skills and rapid learning ability to manage a dynamic workload effectively.