Head of Procurement (Mining & Natural Resources)

Company Overview

The client is an ASX-listed company specializing in mining and natural resources, focusing on exploration, development, and operation of valuable gold and base metal assets in Papua New Guinea. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the company is executing a significant mine redevelopment and production expansion aimed at transforming legacy mining sites into sustainable, long-term operations. Their operations span challenging underground mining environments, mineral processing, remote camps, logistics networks, and international supply chains. The business emphasizes operational excellence, responsible resource development, safety standards, environmental care, local community engagement, and growth across exploration and production.

Role Summary

Serving as a senior leader, the Head of Procurement will establish, lead, and enhance the end-to-end procurement function across Australia and Papua New Guinea. This role entails formulating strong procurement governance, sourcing strategies, enhancing supplier partnerships, and ensuring consistent material supply to support mining operations. The role requires close collaboration with Finance, Logistics, Project Management, and Site Operations, overseeing procurement strategy, supplier performance, contracts, governance, and cross-border procurement activities. Significant travel to Papua New Guinea is expected to support operations, resolve supply challenges, and build local procurement capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with operational goals, project timelines, and financial targets.
• Negotiate, form, and manage strategic relationships with suppliers, contractors, freight forwarders, customs agents, and service providers across Australia and PNG.
• Create preferred supplier agreements, procurement frameworks, and strategic sourcing plans to optimize supply continuity and commercial results.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a procurement team across corporate and site operations while enhancing local procurement capacities.
• Implement procurement policies, SOPs, delegated authority frameworks, and governance processes ensuring audit readiness and compliance.
• Directly manage complex procurement challenges such as customs delays, logistics bottlenecks, supplier conflicts, foreign exchange issues, and cross-border purchasing.
• Collaborate with Finance, Project Managers, and Site Leadership to synchronize procurement with project schedules, production needs, and budgets.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier management, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance, ethical sourcing, anti-bribery laws, and modern slavery standards while managing supplier risks.

Candidate Requirements

• Australian citizenship or eligibility to work in Australia with ability to travel regularly to Papua New Guinea and acquire necessary work permits or visas.
• Relevant academic qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related fields.
• At least 10 years' experience in procurement, supply chain, or strategic sourcing roles.
• Between 3 to 5 years of senior leadership in procurement within mining, mineral exploration, heavy resources, engineering, energy, or heavy construction industries.
• Demonstrated experience in developing procurement teams, governance frameworks, SOPs, and leading procurement transformations.
• Experience managing procurement in complex international and multi-currency environments including AUD, PGK, and USD.
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, supplier management, framework agreements, purchasing governance, inventory control, and three-way matching.
• Strong commercial insight with the ability to align procurement strategies with operational and financial goals.
• Hands-on and resourceful approach to resolving logistical and operational challenges in remote, complex settings.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and cross-functional teamwork skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.