Head of Procurement (Mining & Natural Resources)

About the Company and Role

Our client is an ASX-listed mining and natural resources company headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, specializing in exploration, development, and operation of high-value gold and base metal assets primarily in Papua New Guinea. The firm is currently engaged in a significant mine redevelopment and expansion program intending to revitalize legacy mining assets into sustainable, long-term production. Operating in one of the world's most challenging logistical mining environments, the company manages diverse infrastructure including underground mines, mineral processing plants, remote camps, transport networks, and international supply chains. It maintains a firm commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, international safety standards, responsible resource development, strong community engagement, and sustained growth across its portfolio.

The Head of Procurement is a key senior leadership position accountable for designing, leading, and continuously enhancing the entire procurement function across Australia and Papua New Guinea. This role encompasses establishing robust procurement governance structures, crafting sourcing strategies, fostering strong supplier partnerships, and ensuring consistent availability of materials vital to exploration, development, and mining operations. The role demands close collaboration with Finance, Logistics, Project Management, and Site Operations, overseeing supplier performance, contract management, procurement governance, and cross-border sourcing activities, as well as building and mentoring a high-performing procurement team. Frequent travel to Papua New Guinea is necessary to support operations, resolve supply chain complexities, and strengthen local procurement capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with operational goals, project timelines, and financial targets.
• Negotiate, develop, and manage strategic relationships with suppliers, contractors, freight forwarders, customs agents, and service providers throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• Create preferred supplier agreements, procurement frameworks, and strategic sourcing programs to enhance supply continuity and commercial outcomes.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop procurement teams at corporate and operational sites, enhancing local procurement capabilities.
• Design and enforce procurement policies, SOPs, delegated authority frameworks, and governance processes to ensure audit readiness and compliance.
• Directly resolve complex procurement challenges including customs clearance delays, logistics issues, supplier conflicts, foreign exchange concerns, and cross-border transactions.
• Collaborate with Finance, Project Managers, and Site Leadership to synchronize procurement activities with project deadlines, production needs, and budgets.
• Drive cost reduction efforts through strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier performance monitoring, and continuous procurement optimization.
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to corporate governance standards, ethical sourcing, anti-bribery laws, and modern slavery compliance, managing supplier risks proactively.

Candidate Requirements

• Australian citizen or eligible to work in Australia with ability to travel regularly to Papua New Guinea and obtain necessary permits/visas.
• Relevant qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related fields.
• At least 10 years experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Strategic Sourcing roles.
• 3 to 5 years senior procurement leadership experience within mining, mineral exploration, heavy resources, engineering, energy, or heavy construction sectors.
• Proven expertise in building procurement functions, establishing governance frameworks, developing SOPs, and leading procurement transformations.
• Experience managing procurement across complex international, multi-currency environments (including AUD, PGK, USD).
• Deep knowledge of end-to-end procurement processes, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, framework agreements, purchasing governance, inventory control, and three-way matching procedures.
• Strong commercial sensibility to align procurement with operational objectives, project timelines, and financial performance.
• Resourceful, proactive, and capable of handling operational challenges in remote, logistically complex contexts.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.