Head of Procurement

MatchaTalent; Canberra; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

MatchaTalent is representing a client in Brisbane seeking a Head of Procurement to lead end-to-end functions across Australia and Papua New Guinea. The role requires frequent travel to PNG, with extended on-site assignments and a focus on governance, supplier performance, and continuous improvement.

You will shape procurement strategy, negotiate with suppliers, and build a high-performing team while ensuring compliance with corporate standards and cross-border purchasing controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement or supply chain roles.
• 3–5 years senior procurement leadership in mining, mineral exploration, heavy resources, engineering, energy, or heavy construction industries.
• Experience building procurement governance frameworks and leading procurement transformation initiatives.
• Strong experience managing procurement activities across complex international and multi-currency environments (AUD, PGK, USD).
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute end-to-end procurement strategy aligned with operational priorities and budgets.
• Build, negotiate, and manage relationships with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs agents, and service providers across AU and PNG.
• Establish supplier agreements, frameworks, and sourcing initiatives to improve continuity and outcomes.
• Lead procurement organization design, SOPs, governance, and audit readiness.
• Resolve complex procurement issues including customs delays, logistics bottlenecks, and cross-border purchasing.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

Cross-border sourcing

Multi-currency experience

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related

Job description

This role requires the candidate to work in Brisbane, Australia (with regular rotational travel and extended on-site assignments in Papua New Guinea)

Client Overview

Our client is an ASX-listed mining and natural resources company focused on the exploration, development, and operation of high-value gold and base metal assets across Papua New Guinea. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the organization is undertaking a large-scale mine redevelopment and production expansion program aimed at transforming legacy mining assets into long-term, sustainable operations. Operating within one of the world's most logistically challenging mining environments, the company manages complex infrastructure spanning underground mining operations, mineral processing facilities, remote camps, transportation networks, and international supply chains. The business is committed to operational excellence, responsible resource development, international safety standards, environmental stewardship, and strong engagement with local communities while supporting long-term growth across its exploration and production portfolio.

Job Role

The Head of Procurement is a senior leadership position responsible for building, leading, and continuously improving the organization's end-to-end procurement function across both Australia and Papua New Guinea. This role will establish robust procurement governance, develop sourcing strategies, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure uninterrupted material availability for exploration, development, and mining operations. Working closely with Finance, Logistics, Project Management, and Site Operations, the successful candidate will oversee procurement strategy, supplier performance, contract management, procurement governance, and cross-border sourcing activities while leading the development of a high-performing procurement team. The position requires frequent travel to Papua New Guinea to support operational execution, resolve supply chain challenges, and strengthen local procurement capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's end-to-end procurement strategy aligned with operational priorities, project schedules, and financial objectives.
• Build, negotiate, and manage strategic relationships with suppliers, contractors, freight forwarders, customs agents, and service providers across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• Establish preferred supplier agreements, procurement frameworks, and strategic sourcing initiatives to improve supply continuity and commercial outcomes.
• Design, recruit, mentor, and develop the procurement organization across both corporate and site operations while strengthening local procurement capability.
• Develop and implement procurement policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), delegated authority frameworks, and procurement governance processes that support audit readiness and compliance.
• Lead hands-on resolution of complex procurement issues, including customs clearance delays, logistics bottlenecks, supplier disputes, foreign exchange challenges, and cross-border purchasing activities.
• Partner with Finance, Project Managers, and Site Leadership to align procurement activities with project timelines, production requirements, and budget constraints.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives through strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and continuous procurement improvement.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with corporate governance standards, ethical sourcing principles, anti-bribery regulations, and modern slavery requirements while actively managing supplier risk.

Candidate Requirements

• Australian nationality or eligibility to work in Australia, with the ability to travel regularly to Papua New Guinea and obtain all necessary work permits or visas.
• Relevant qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Strategic Sourcing roles.
• Minimum 3–5 years of senior procurement leadership experience within mining, mineral exploration, heavy resources, engineering, energy, or heavy construction industries.
• Proven experience building procurement organizations, establishing procurement governance frameworks, developing SOPs, and leading procurement transformation initiatives.
• Strong experience managing procurement activities across complex international and multi-currency environments, including AUD, PGK, and USD transactions.
• Extensive knowledge of end-to-end procurement processes, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, framework agreements, purchasing governance, inventory management, and three-way matching controls.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align procurement strategies with operational objectives, project schedules, and financial performance.
• Highly resourceful, hands-on, and capable of resolving operational challenges within remote and logistically complex environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.

Job Code: #786