Head of Mining Operations (Gold Mine)

About the role

The Head of Mining Operations will lead all underground mining activities for a gold mine in Central Province, Papua New Guinea. Reporting to executive management, this senior position is responsible for safe, efficient and commercially successful production in a remote FIFO environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for underground mining operations, including 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, ensuring compliance with mining legislation, statutory requirements and the Mine Safety Management System.
• Manage departmental budgets, operational costs and capital expenditure planning, driving continuous cost optimisation.
• Oversee contractor performance to meet productivity, contractual, operational and safety standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop Mining Superintendents, Shift Bosses, Supervisors, Engineers and operational personnel, supporting succession planning.
• Monitor production performance, identify operational risks and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximise productivity and reliability.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in underground mining operations, preferably in gold or base‑metal projects.
• Proven ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams in remote, FIFO environments.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, efficient and commercially successful production.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control and capital expenditure planning.
• Demonstrated capability to work closely with technical services, geology, processing and executive management.

Required skills