Principal Tailings Engineer

Globe 24-7, in partnership with a leading international engineering consultancy, is supporting the appointment of a Principal Tailings Engineer. The organisation delivers specialist engineering, environmental, and project management services to mining clients globally, supporting projects across the full asset lifecycle from study and design through to operations, closure, and governance.

The Role

The Principal Tailings Engineer will provide technical leadership across tailings engineering projects, supporting mining clients in the UK and internationally. The role is responsible for the delivery and review of complex tailings storage facility (TSF) designs, dam safety assessments, governance reviews, and risk management initiatives, while contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the tailings practice.

This is a senior technical leadership position requiring extensive experience in tailings engineering, strong client engagement capability, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across complex mining projects.

The Responsibilities

• Lead the design, assessment, and review of tailings storage facilities, including embankment stability, seepage management, water balance assessments, and closure planning.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary projects involving geotechnical, civil, hydrotechnical, and environmental disciplines.
• Lead dam safety reviews, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness initiatives for tailings facilities.
• Act as Engineer of Record (EoR) where required and provide technical governance in accordance with applicable industry standards.
• Support clients in achieving compliance with international tailings governance frameworks, including GISTM, ICOLD, CDA, and other relevant standards.
• Direct geotechnical investigations and interpret field and laboratory data to support engineering design and risk evaluation.
• Engage with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs), regulators, and external reviewers, including the preparation and presentation of technical documentation.
• Manage project delivery, ensuring performance against scope, budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, contributing to technical capability development across the team.
• Represent the organisation through industry forums, conferences, technical publications, and professional networks.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across tailings management, dewatering technologies, and water management practices.

The Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 20 years' experience in tailings engineering, geotechnical engineering, or dam engineering.
• Extensive experience in the design, review, operation, and closure of tailings storage facilities.
• Proven experience acting as Engineer of Record (EoR) or equivalent senior technical authority.
• Strong understanding of dam safety governance, risk management, and international tailings standards including GISTM, ICOLD, and CDA.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRBs), regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical capability in geotechnical analysis, slope stability, seepage assessments, and water balance modelling.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects within consulting or mining environments.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and client relationship management capability.

The Rewards

The role offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work on technically complex mining projects with international exposure. The position is based in the United Kingdom and supports projects across multiple global jurisdictions.

Contact Us

Please apply directly by submitting your resume, preferably as a Microsoft Word document.