Exploration Superintendent - Brownfields

AI overview

Oversee and lead strategic direction for exploration programs at New Zealand's largest gold mine while managing teams and ensuring safety and compliance.

Imagine having a true work-life balance living in the stunning region of Otago. Due to ongoing growth across our Macraes exploration team, we are on the search for an Exploration Superintendent. If you are keen to utilise and further develop your management experience and join New Zealand's largest gold mine, read on! 

This is a drive in, drive out opportunity from nearby Dunedin or Oamaru, each with stunning landscapes, adventures and beaches to explore! For the more adventurous, Queenstown is just a 3 hour drive, offering endless amounts of exciting activities (skiing, hiking, water sports, fishing and more) to enjoy on your days off. 

This role will see you overseeing the operational execution of near-mine and brownfields exploration programs. Additionally, this position bridges strategic direction and field implementation, managing teams, budgets, and technical outputs while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.

The position holder will be required to work in all operational areas of the mine as well as in the field and develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Training and professional development will be provided to ensure efficient and effective performance of duties. Mon-Fri 9-day fortnight roster - enjoy a long weekend every other week.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and lead the strategic direction of exploration programs
  • Oversee multiple exploration teams and contractors across sites - providing leadership and coaching where required
  • Manage and update exploration budgets/ forecasts, schedules, and resource allocation.
  • Ensure alignment of exploration programs with the LOMP and short – medium term mine schedules through strong working relationships with technical services, mine planning, processing, capital projects, EASP.
  • Ensure integration of geological, geochemical, and other relevant data into geological models.
  • Monitor and review QAQC, completing weekly and monthly reporting
  • Complete internal and external technical reports and regulatory submissions as required.
  • Provide leadership in safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.
  • Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement through contributing to the optimisation of systems, processes and procedures, regularly reviewing and identifying new opportunities.
  • A degree in geology is essential. Honours or postgraduate qualification, would be highly regarded.
  • Full and Current Driver Licence. Ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.

Experience                  

  • More than 10 years’ postgraduate experience in a Brownfields/ near-mine exploration environment.
  • More than 5 years’ experience in a leadership role.
  • Demonstrated management of large drill programs involving multiple rigs and multiple drilling.
  • Experience working in both underground and open pit environments highly regarded.
  • A solid practical understanding of QA/QC theory.
  • Advanced computer literacy including experience in mining software and databases essential.
  • Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Otago, NZ.
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
  • Mon-Fri 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend every other week.
  • Discounts on retail and services
  • Free Southern Cross Healthcare
  • Vehicle and allowances
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Long service recognition
  • Living Our Values recognition program
  • Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected

 

**Applications close 14 December 2025. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

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

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Perks & Benefits Extracted with AI

  • Health Insurance: Free Southern Cross Healthcare
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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