Explosive Manager

The Explosive Manager will be responsible for the safe and compliant handling, transportation, storage, and use of ammonium nitrate and other regulated explosives. This role ensures full adherence to the Minerals Commission (MINCOM) regulations and international safety standards, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Planning & Risk Management

• Develop, review and implement detailed work plans for explosive operations (loading, unloading, transfer, storage and use).
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop mitigation measures for all explosive-related activities.
• Oversee daily logistics, including route planning, vehicle manifests, and end-to-end tracking.

Regulatory Coordination & Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Minerals Commission, Ghana Standards Authority, police, fire services, and other relevant bodies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local and international explosives regulations (MINCOM, IMDG, ADR as applicable).
• Ensure all permits, licenses, and transport documentation are secured and accurately maintained.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, train and certify staff at various levels (Blastman, Blast Foreman, Blast Captain) on SOPs, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Conduct regular toolbox talks, drills and refresher courses; document attendance and competency records.
• Investigate any incidents or near-misses, prepare formal incident reports, and lead root-cause analyses and corrective actions.

Inventory & Cost Management

• Maintain precise stock records of explosives, accessories and packaging materials; perform monthly and quarterly physical audits.
• Review and update procedures to reflect best practices and regulatory changes.
• Manage material budgets and cost control measures, reporting variances to senior management.

Emergency Response & Customer Liaison

• Act swiftly to emergency breakdowns or spillage incidents; coordinate roadside assistance, site evacuations and post-incident clean-up.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and emergency services to communicate status updates and coordinate joint response efforts.
• Prepare and present after-action reports and recommendations to executive stakeholders.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly and annual reports on operations, compliance status, incidents, and inventory metrics.
• Propose and lead process-improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or related field.
• Valid Explosives Handling License as per MINCOM regulations.
• At least 4 years of direct experience in explosive management, including a minimum of 2 years working as a licensed Blastman.
• Demonstrated track record of managing both field operations and office-based compliance activities.

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent leadership and people-management abilities.
• Strong organisational, analytical and regulatory reporting skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with inventory-management and route-planning software is a plus.
• High ethical standards and commitment to safety culture.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Combination of field (on-site at quarries, transfer points, roadways) and office work.
• Hours: Full-time, with occasional extended hours or on-call duty to meet operational and emergency demands.
• Travel: Regular travel between storage yards, customer sites, and regulatory offices.

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