Mining Tailings Lead

Job Description

 AECOM is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Tailings Leader based in Santiago de Chile.

This role combines technical leadership with business development responsibilities, making it a position that is pivotal in driving growth, ensuring technical excellence, and positioning AECOM as a leader in tailings management across Chile and LATAM. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with clients, mentor staff, and drive strategic initiatives to expand our market presence in the tailings sector.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the tailings dam practice in Chile and LATAM, aligned with AECOM’s global goals and regional priorities.
• Perform the Lead Verifier quality review role on AECOM deliverables related to design, analysis, and construction oversight of tailings dams, embankments, and associated infrastructure.
• Lead the design, analysis, and construction oversight of tailings dams, embankments, and associated infrastructure.
• Prepare and review technical reports, drawings, and specifications to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Ensure all projects meet or exceed regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and sustainability goals.
• Provide expert reviews of designs, reports, and specifications to ensure quality and consistency across projects.

Business Development (Seller Responsibilities)

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the tailings management sector across Chile and LATAM.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor for their tailings management needs.
• Lead proposal development, including scoping, budgeting, and preparing technical content.
• Collaborate with the marketing and business development teams to grow AECOM’s market share in the tailings sector.
• Represent AECOM at industry conferences, workshops, and client meetings to enhance visibility and thought leadership.

Team Development and Mentorship

• Mentor and train junior and intermediate engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Provide technical reviews and guidance to ensure the quality and consistency of project deliverables.

Regulatory and Industry Advocacy

• Stay updated on evolving regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines, ensuring AECOM remains at the forefront of compliance.
• Advocate for best practices in tailings management within industry associations and regulatory bodies, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and serve as a mentor to junior staff.
• Business Acumen: Proven ability to identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of geotechnical principles, tailings dam design, and risk management.
• Client Focus: Strong relationship-building skills and a client-first mindset.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical reporting and client interactions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on tailings dam design and management.
• Demonstrated success in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in tailings-related geotechnical engineering.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with mine waste management, closure design, and water management for tailings facilities.
• Strong understanding of Canadian regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines (e.g., GISTM, CDA, ICMM, MAC).
• Experience serving as an Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings dam projects.
• Familiarity with advanced numerical modeling techniques and software.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in both English and French is an advantage.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.