Head of Procurement (Mining & Natural Resources)

Company Overview

Our client is a publicly listed company on the ASX, specializing in mining and natural resources with a focus on gold and base metal assets in Papua New Guinea. Based in Brisbane, Australia, the organization is engaged in a significant mine redevelopment and expansion initiative aimed at converting older mining sites into sustainable, long-term operations. The company operates within a challenging logistical environment, managing extensive infrastructure including underground mines, processing facilities, remote camps, transportation systems, and global supply chains. Their commitment spans operational excellence, responsible resource management, adherence to international safety standards, environmental protection, community engagement, and sustainable growth throughout their exploration and mining portfolio.

Role Overview

The Head of Procurement is a senior leadership role responsible for developing, leading, and continuously enhancing the entire procurement function across Australia and Papua New Guinea. The position involves establishing strong procurement governance, crafting sourcing strategies, fostering supplier partnerships, and ensuring uninterrupted availability of materials essential for exploration, development, and mining operations. This role requires collaboration with Finance, Logistics, Project Management, and Site Operations to manage procurement strategy, supplier performance, contract negotiations, governance, and cross-border sourcing. Frequent travel to Papua New Guinea is necessary to support operations, troubleshoot supply chain issues, and bolster local procurement capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with operational priorities, project deadlines, and fiscal targets.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with suppliers, contractors, freight forwarders, customs agents, and service providers in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• Develop preferred supplier agreements, procurement frameworks, and sourcing initiatives to enhance supply reliability and commercial results.
• Recruit, mentor, and expand the procurement team across corporate and site locations, enhancing local procurement skills.
• Create and enforce procurement policies, standard procedures, authority limits, and governance processes that ensure audit readiness and compliance.
• Address complex procurement challenges including customs delays, logistics issues, supplier conflicts, foreign exchange risks, and cross-border purchases.
• Coordinate closely with Finance, Project Managers, and Site Leadership to synchronize procurement efforts with project timelines, production needs, and budgets.
• Promote cost savings through strategic sourcing, contracts negotiation, supplier performance oversight, and continuous process improvements.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance, ethical sourcing, anti-bribery laws, and modern slavery standards, while managing supplier risks effectively.

Candidate Profile

• Must be an Australian citizen or eligible to work in Australia, with capacity for regular travel to Papua New Guinea and ability to secure necessary permits or visas.
• Possesses relevant academic qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or similar fields.
• Brings at least 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or strategic sourcing.
• Has 3 to 5 years of senior-level leadership experience in procurement within mining, mineral exploration, heavy resources, engineering, energy, or construction sectors.
• Demonstrated success in building procurement teams, instituting governance frameworks, drafting SOPs, and leading procurement change initiatives.
• Experienced with procurement in complex international, multi-currency contexts involving AUD, PGK, and USD.
• Deep understanding of complete procurement workflows, contract negotiations, supplier relationship management, framework agreements, governance, inventory control, and reconciliation processes.
• Possesses sharp commercial insight to align procurement strategies with operational goals, project timelines, and financial results.
• Highly proactive and adept at resolving operational issues in remote and logistically difficult settings.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder management, leadership, negotiation, and cross-department collaboration.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.