Job Summary
* Project Details: Mine Restart & Operations
* Location: Brisbane, Australia (regular travel to Papua New Guinea – Mine Site & Port Moresby)
* Reports To: CFO
* Direct Reports: HR Coordinator(s), Recruitment Lead (as required), Training & Compliance Officer (dotted line)
Role Purpose
The HR Manager will establish and manage the full human resources function supporting the mine operations. This includes workforce mobilisation, industrial relations, compliance with PNG labour laws, and development of a high‐performing workforce across site, logistics, and corporate functions. The role is critical in ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient workforce operations in a complex remote mining workplace with significant community and stakeholder sensitivities.
Our successful candidate will
* Build a fit‐for‐purpose HR function from day one
* Enable rapid mobilisation and operational readiness
* Balance commercial discipline with workforce stability
* Navigate complex community, government, and workforce dynamics
* Drive a high‐performance, safety‐first culture
* Operate effectively in remote and challenging environments
Key Responsibilities
* Workforce Strategy & Planning
o Develop and implement the workforce plan aligned to mine restart and ramp‐up schedules
o Coordinate manpower forecasting for Mining (underground & surface), Site services, Logistics (road, air, warehousing), Security and community affairs
o Establish organisational structures, role definitions, and reporting lines
* Recruitment & Mobilisation
o Lead end‐to‐end recruitment for all roles (expatriate and national workforce)
o Develop a mobilisation framework for site access and onboarding, medicals, inductions, compliance checks, travel logistics, flights, rotations, and accommodation
o Prioritise local employment and landowner participation in line with MoA commitments
* Industrial & Employee Relations
o Manage industrial relations strategy in PNG, including employment contracts, workforce policies, disciplinary and grievance processes
o Provide guidance on sensitive workforce issues: landowner employment expectations, workforce disputes, cultural and community considerations
* HR Compliance & Governance
o Ensure compliance with PNG Labour Laws, Mine operating agreements (MoA obligations), and internal company HR policies
o Maintain audit‐ready HR systems and documentation
o Develop and implement HR policies, code of conduct, and disciplinary frameworks
o Support reporting requirements to government stakeholders where required
* Performance Management & Culture
o Implement a performance management framework across all departments
o Support leadership in setting KPIs, conducting performance reviews, and managing underperformance
o Drive a high‐performance, accountable culture aligned to safety and operational delivery
* Training & Capability Development
o Develop and oversee training programs for site inductions, safety and compliance training, leadership development
o Coordinate TVET and workforce development initiatives aligned with CSR and local content commitments
o Ensure workforce competency for underground mining operations, heavy equipment operation, and site services roles
* Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Oversight
o Develop competitive remuneration structures for PNG workforce
o Oversee payroll inputs and compliance for local and expat workforce
o Manage rosters and rotations, allowances, and site‐based benefits
o Ensure alignment with budget and cost control objectives
* HR Systems & Reporting
o Implement and manage HR systems for workforce tracking, attendance and rotations, leave and payroll inputs
o Deliver weekly and monthly HR dashboards with headcount, mobilisation status, turnover, absenteeism, training compliance
o Support EXCO reporting with clear workforce insights and risks
* Stakeholder Engagement
o Interface with government bodies, community affairs team, security and logistics teams
o Support alignment between workforce strategy, community expectations, and operational requirements
Key Deliverables (First 6 Months)
* Workforce plan aligned to mine restart
* Recruitment and mobilisation of critical roles
* Implementation of HR policies and compliance framework
* Establishment of HR systems and reporting dashboards
* Industrial relations framework in place
* Training and induction programs operational
* Local employment strategy implemented
Key KPIs
* Operational
o Percentage of roles filled vs workforce plan
o Time to hire (critical roles)
o Mobilisation readiness (on‐time deployment)
* People & Culture
o Workforce turnover rate
o Absenteeism rate
o Employee engagement indicators
* Compliance
o 100% compliance with PNG labour laws
o Zero major HR audit findings
o Training compliance rates
* Cost
o Labour cost vs budget
o Recruitment cost efficiency
Experience & Qualifications
* 10+ years HR experience, ideally in Mining, oil & gas, or remote operations
* Strong experience in workforce mobilisation, industrial relations, and developing HR functions from scratch
* Experience in PNG or similar jurisdictions highly desirable
* Tertiary qualification in HR, Business, or related field
Key Competencies
* Strong leadership and decision‐making
* Ability to operate in high‐pressure, remote project environments
* Commercial mindset with focus on cost and delivery
* Cultural awareness and stakeholder sensitivity
* Highly structured and process‐driven
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