Chief Operating Officer – Coal Mining

Chief Operating Officer – Coal Mining

Location: On-Site in Hazleton, PA

About the Opportunity

A privately held surface anthracite producer with a 150-person workforce and a 60-year reserve base is modernizing its Pennsylvania operations and expanding premium product lines that feed steel and energy markets worldwide. The company is seeking a decisive, hands-on Chief Operating Officer to translate board-level growth strategy into safely executed tonnage, industry-leading cost performance, and robust community partnerships. Reporting directly to the President, you will steer pit-to-plant execution, elevate safety and environmental stewardship, and mentor a high-caliber technical team poised for the next stage of innovation.

Key Outcomes & Responsibilities

• Drive the vision – convert corporate strategy into production, safety, and financial targets that lift EBITDA and extend reserve life.
• Optimize pit-to-plant flow – direct surface mining, haulage, and preparation plant throughput to hit daily ROM, yield, and quality KPIs.
• Engineer cost leadership – refine equipment scheduling, asset-health programs, and maintenance analytics to keep cost-per-ton below budget.
• Champion zero-incident culture – embed proactive risk management and MSHA best practices across all crews, contractors, and visitors.
• Safeguard the environment – oversee permitting, reclamation, and water-management plans that exceed state and federal standards.
• Own the P&L – construct and manage operating and capital budgets, vendor contracts, and supply-chain logistics for maximum ROI.
• Leverage data – deploy real-time dashboards to uncover bottlenecks, recover lost tonnage, and guide capital allocation.
• Develop leaders – coach mine, plant, maintenance, engineering, and safety managers, building a strong succession bench.
• Represent the business – serve as primary liaison to regulators, community stakeholders, major customers, and the board.

Required Background

• Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in surface coal mining, including 5+ years in a senior site-wide or corporate operations role.
• Deep knowledge of coal preparation, mobile & fixed plant maintenance, and MSHA compliance.
• Proven track record in budgeting, asset optimization, and data-driven continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred Extras

• MBA or similar advanced degree.
• Lean / Six Sigma or equivalent process-improvement certification.
• Experience leading reclamation or large-scale environmental projects.

What’s in It for You

• Competitive executive compensation package with annual bonus tied to production, safety, and cost metrics.
• 401(k) with company match, full medical / dental / vision, and relocation assistance.
• Direct line of sight to the board and the opportunity to shape the long-term strategic direction of a growing coal enterprise.
• High-impact role where your leadership will drive operational excellence, community value, and employee safety.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS