Head of Mine Technical Services | PNG Expat | 4 Weeks on/4 Weeks off

K92 Mining; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 76,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PNG expat assignment

4 weeks on/4 weeks off roster

Long and short-term incentive plans

Job summary

K92 Mining Limited is seeking a Head of Mine Technical Services for its PNG operation. The role leads a multi-disciplinary technical team, shaping underground mine plans and life-of-mine decisions while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The incumbent will drive performance, mentor senior professionals, and align technical output with site expansion goals during a period of rapid growth. This is a PNG expat, fixed-term opportunity with a rotating schedule.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in underground hard rock mining and/or supervisory roles overseeing multiple functions.
• Previous experience operating in Papua New Guinea or developing countries in remote locations will be highly regarded.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage teams and timeframes
• Adaptable, resilient and strong emotional intelligence
• Understanding of PNG Safety and Health legislation.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Sound planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and autonomously.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Strong active listening & interpersonal skills for rapport building, conflict resolution & training

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a highly skilled and diverse team of technical professionals.
• Oversee the preparation of mining plans, schedules, and designs to achieve production and business targets.
• Provide technical input into life-of-mine planning and operational decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, safety standards, and company policies.
• Foster collaboration between operations, maintenance, and technical teams to optimise performance.
• Ensuring robust planning procedures are in place and operating effectively
• Recruit, motivate and retain the appropriate people to use the systems to achieve business objectives
• Measuring and controlling the work performance of direct reports on a regular basis
• Regularly measuring and controlling performance, initiating corrective actions as required
• Reviewing short- and medium-term plans and strategies to ensure the activities do not compromise future ore body value for an overall poorer return.

Skills

Underground mining leadership

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

Degree-qualified in mining or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Head of Mine Technical Services | PNG Expat | 4 Weeks on/4 Weeks off

K92 Mining Limited are the owners the high-grade Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province. Since commencing operations in 2016, we have delivered consistent production growth. More importantly, we have contributed significantly to the economy of Papua New Guinea, more than 90% of our employees and contractors are from PNG and our local education and skills development initiatives which include scholarships, traineeships and adult literacy programs continue to bring significant benefit the communities in which we operate.

We are now transforming the operation with a new 1.2 mtpa process plant as well as extensive construction and expansion across site that will see us triple the output from our mine by 2027. In addition to our ongoing production success, we have an extensive exploration programme across our highly prospective tenement, making K92 a great place to build a long-term career.

About the role

As K92 enter an exciting period of operational expansion in 2026, we are seeking to add a Head of Technical Services to our senior leadership team in PNG. As we continue to grow our underground operation and technical team, this role demands an individual who seeks to develop best in class systems and teams, influence and mentor across all levels at site and will grow with the site as new challenges emerge.

The successful applicant for this role will have significant underground mining experience, ideally some exposure to Technical Services leadership roles within developing nations and excellent communication skills as you ensure our performance and culture is unmatched.

Key / Major Accountabilities

• Lead and mentor a highly skilled and diverse team of technical professionals including mining engineers, geotechnical engineers, geologists and surveyors.
• Oversee the preparation of mining plans, schedules, and designs to achieve production and business targets.
• Provide technical input into life-of-mine planning and operational decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, safety standards, and company policies.
• Foster collaboration between operations, maintenance, and technical teams to optimise performance.
• Ensuring robust planning procedures are in place and operating effectively
• Recruit, motivate and retain the appropriate people to use the systems to achieve business objectives
• Measuring and controlling the work performance of direct reports on a regular basis
• Regularly measuring and controlling performance, initiating corrective actions as required
• Reviewing short- and medium-term plans and strategies to ensure the activities do not compromise future ore body value for an overall poorer return.

About You

You are a strategically focused mining leader who thrives in an operational environment and enjoys partnering with a large team to solve complex challenges. You combine sound judgement and innovative thinking with a practical, collaborative approach, building trust and delivering outcomes that support long term business objectives and a positive workplace culture.

You will be degree qualified with 15+ years of experience and be able to demonstrate the following:

• Significant experience in underground hard rock mining and/or supervisory roles overseeing multiple functions.
• Previous experience operating in Papua New Guinea or developing countries in remote locations will be highly regarded.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage teams and to timeframes
• Adaptable, resilient and strong emotional intelligence
• Understanding of PNG Safety and Health legislation.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Sound planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and autonomously.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Strong active listening & interpersonal skills for rapport building, conflict resolution & training

Life at K92

Our core values — Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Safety — are central to our operations and fundamental to our success. K92 upholds a commitment to equal opportunity, striving to ensure that every individual can reach their highest potential without experiencing discrimination.

Our camp in Papua New Guinea offers a comfortable and well-maintained living environment, designed to provide support and comfort to our employees living away from home. Residents enjoy healthy meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our camp also offers amenities such as internet access, cable TV, and a gymnasium.

We believe in sharing our success with our employees. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer participation in long- and short-term incentive plans and a friendly work roster. If you share our values and are looking for your next career step, come join us on this exciting journey.

TO COMPLY WITH PNG GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS ALL EXPATRIATE POSITIONS ARE OFFERED ON A FIXED TERM BASIS