Metallurgist - Continuous Improvement

OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). 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.

Live and work in the stunning region of Otago and enjoy a long weekend every other week, on a 9-day fortnight roster. This key role is responsible for leading the technical analysis and facilitation of Continuous Improvement initiatives across the site value chain, with primary subject matter expertise in metallurgy and ore processing. This involves supporting the identification, valuation, prioritisation and delivery of the Critical Few, Extended Leadership & Frontline initiatives in accordance with the OceanaGold Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF).

Play a key role in developing and maintaining Value Driver Trees (VDTs) for the processing value chain and its interfaces, establishing baseline performance, identifying constraints and pools of value, and developing business cases in alignment with CIF methodologies.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Development of the Plant and Metallurgical Improvement Initiatives with each of the line management teams.
• Assisting the line management teams in the development of their respective CI projects and development of the specific business cases.
• Prioritise improvement initiatives based on net-cashflow impact at the point of constraint, using sensitivity analysis of the site Value Driver Tree to quantify the pools of value available; ensure the resulting pipeline is reflected in Budget and Life of Mine Plan (LOMP) planning scenarios in accordance with the CIF.
• Responsibility for overall reporting on active improvement initiatives and reporting against milestones, schedules, and costs.
• Monitoring of initiative implementation and once completed and operational post implementation reviews.
• Develop and maintain Value Driver Trees (VDTs) for the processing value chain and its interfaces with upstream and downstream functions; establish baseline performance, performance floor and full potential for relevant input and output KPIs.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis on the VDT to identify the most sensitive input drivers at the point of constraint; quantify the pools of value available for improvement and support the setting of top-down pipeline targets via the WiredUp Pipeline Targets.
• Capture, value and track all improvement initiatives in WiredUp through the five pipeline stages (Concept, Evaluating, Implementing, Cash Flowing, Locked-In), ensuring adherence to the Continuous Improvement  Guidelines.
• Facilitate Concept Generation Workshops and Initiative Planning Workshops with line management and Subject Matter Experts to convert pools of value into prioritised initiatives with documented workplans, valuations and stage-gate target dates.
• Ensure each Process Plant CI project has an agreed schedule and budget and a defined outcome with monthly reporting against these key KPI’s for each chosen project.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly project review documents.
• Conduct project reviews monthly with the CI Manager and the senior management team and quarterly to Corporate CI Project Review meeting.
• Support the facilitation of the Monthly Site Performance Meeting, tracking in-year benefit delivery against forecast, input KPI performance against target, and stage-gate progression for Critical Few initiatives.
• Drive frontline integration of Critical Few initiatives through start- and end-of-shift discussion, visual boards and frontline communication of targets and actual performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Process or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent)

• Formal Continuous Improvement / Lean / Six Sigma certification preferred

• Training in Value Driver Tree modelling, sensitivity analysis, root cause analysis and facilitation of improvement workshops preferred.

• Full and Current Driver Licence, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.       

• 5+ years of Metallurgical, Process or Chemical Engineering operating experience

• Demonstrated experience developing and applying Value Driver Trees for production and cost analysis.

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Otago, NZ.
• Enjoy a long weekend every other week with a 9-day fortnight roster
• Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare and Life Insurance
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recoginition program
• Health and wellbeing allowances
• Free transport to work
• Study assistance
• 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 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]

**Applications close 17 August 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. 

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED