Superintendent - Processing Operations

OceanaGold; Waihi; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Residential role - live and work in WA

Free Southern Cross Healthcare

Life Insurance

Free Gym Membership

Long service recognition

Living Our Values recognition program

Access to OceanaGold Employee EAP

Job summary

OceanaGold, Waihi mining operation, seeks a seasoned leader to head the processing plant and water treatment facilities. You will drive safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, building a high-performing team while meeting production and recovery targets.

Based at Waihi, the role requires guiding operational planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives, in collaboration with maintenance, health & safety, and project teams.

Qualifications

• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Full and Current Driver Licence, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in mineral processing or heavy industrial operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a processing plant environment.
• Strong experience in operational planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development to supervisors and operational personnel.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across shifts and departments.
• Ensure the processing plant operates safely, reliably, and efficiently to achieve targets.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly operational planning activities.
• Monitor KPIs for production, throughput, recovery, cost and quality.
• Coordinate processing, water treatment, and tailings management systems as applicable.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to optimise plant performance.

Skills

Leadership

Operational planning

Budgeting

Performance management

Team development

Job description

OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). With four operating mines—Haile in the USA, Didipio in the Philippines, and Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand,we are committed to safe, responsible mining that generates strong returns and supports sustainable development.
Our purpose is mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver we produce power renewable energy, life-saving medical devices, and the technology that connects communities. Beyond this, our operations drive economic growth and improve health and education outcomes in the regions we serve, supporting over 3,700 direct jobs globally.
Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork,we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, and invest in, creating lasting value for all our stakeholders.

Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground gold mine.A recent consent for the Waihi North Project, a new mine to be developed 6km north of the existing operation has provided a long term extension of mine life providing our 400 staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for the long-term.

Job Description

Due to continued expansion of our Waihi mine, we have created this new position to provide support to the Manager - Processing. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a stunning residential location at the gateway to the Coromandel region. With amazing beaches, walking tracks, hunting and fishing opportunities on your doorstep you can enjoy a great outdoors lifestyle. You would also work a Mon-Fri, 9-day fortnight meaning you get to enjoy a long weekend every other week.

This role provides leadership, direction, and accountability for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the processing plant and associated water treatment facilities. Responsible for achieving production, recovery, throughput, quality, environmental, and budget targets while developing a high-performing operational team and driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and compliance with all company standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development to supervisors and operational personnel.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across operational shifts and departments
• Ensure the processing plant operates safely, reliably, and efficiently to achieve production and recovery targets.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly operational planning activities.
• Monitor operational performance against production, throughput, recovery, cost, and quality KPIs.
• Coordinate activities across crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, dewatering, water treatment, and tailings management systems as applicable.
• Optimise plant performance by identifying and implementing operational improvements.
• Manage plant downtime and production interruptions through effective planning and coordination with maintenance teams.
• Lead operational readiness activities associated with projects, plant upgrades, and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, environmental, and company operating requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, productivity, reliability, recovery, and cost performance.
• Lead root cause investigations for operational incidents, production losses, and process deviations.
• Evaluate operational data and identify opportunities for improved performance.
• Develop and manage operating budgets for the processing operations function.
• Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Technical Services, Health & Safety, Environment, and Projects teams to achieve business objectives.
• Liaise with contractors, consultants, and suppliers to support operational performance.

Qualifications

• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Full and Current Driver Licence, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in mineral processing or heavy industrial operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a processing plant environment.
• Strong experience in operational planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
• Mon-Fri 630am -4pm, 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend every other week
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Free Gym Membership
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected

YOU MATTER:OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believea variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success.Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact usat [emailprotected]

**Applications close 26 September2026.Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

**PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED