Head of Mining Operations (Gold Mine)

About the role

The Head of Mining Operations is the senior site leadership role responsible for directing all underground mining activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially successful production across the operation. This position provides strategic leadership for mine development, production planning, contractor management, operational performance, and workforce capability while maintaining strict compliance with statutory mining regulations and international safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for underground mining operations, covering mine development, production, ground support, ventilation, and mine services.
• Collaborate with Technical Services and Geology to develop short‑, medium‑, and long‑term mine plans aligned with production targets.
• Champion safety leadership and ensure compliance with mining legislation, statutory requirements, and the Mine Safety Management System.
• Manage departmental budgets, operational costs, capital expenditure planning, and continuous cost‑optimization initiatives.
• Oversee contractor performance to meet productivity, contractual, operational, and safety standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Mining Superintendents, Shift Bosses, Supervisors, Engineers, and operational personnel while supporting succession planning.
• Monitor production performance, identify operational risks, and implement continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Foster collaboration across mine operations, technical services, maintenance, processing, and support functions.

Required profile

• Open to all nationalities with eligibility for PNG work permits.
• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Valid PNG Metalliferous Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency or immediate eligibility.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Minimum 10 years of underground mining experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles such as Mine Manager or Head of Mining.
• Proven experience leading underground operations in remote FIFO environments.
• Strong knowledge of narrow‑vein underground mining methods and operational risk management.

Required skills

• Underground mining methods
• Mine planning and production scheduling
• Ground support systems
• Mine ventilation
• Contractor management
• Mine management technologies