Underground Production Supervisor

  • Full-time

Company 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

To supervise the activities of underground mining operations & personnel in order to achieve shift production targets in a timely and safe manner.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Operational:

  • Coordinate the daily activities of underground miners and ancillary personnel in accordance with weekly production schedule.
  • Supervising installation and maintenance of services and ensure correct installation of ground support is applied in all work areas.
  • Supervising installation of automine and other remote loading systems that site provide.
  • Supervising drilling, blasting and haulage of waste and ore inclusive of backfill (CRF, CAF etc).
  • Coordinating production blasting during the shift.
  • Undertake the responsibility of explosives accountability and the operation of the explosive magazine.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with Contractors, Suppliers and Service Providers.
  • Provide coverage to the smart centre when required.
  • Responsible for production drilling, preparation (hole cleaning, stemming, decking) blasting so that blast vibration exceedances are prevented as per mining consent conditions.
  • Provide coverage to the development shift supervisor when required.

People Leadership

  • Understand the procedures and processes involved with managing people and apply them appropriately to different situations
  • Assign tasks according to individuals’ abilities and agree what is to be accomplished.  Give clear instructions, actively listen, provide constructive feedback, and hold regular meetings.
  • Share wisdom, knowledge and experience with team to encourage increased performance.
  • Challenge attitudes and behaviours to promote wider thinking.
  • Provide leadership and coaching to establish a strong culture of continuous improvement.
  • Ensure human and industrial relations issues are handled in a timely and effective manner.
  • Conduct performance appraisals
  • Coach, support and develop the team to build knowledge and skills to provide coverage and to build succession plans.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships in order to retain a high performance workforce through engagement, communication and motivation.  
  • Ensure appropriate professional development or training plans are in place to meet safety and process requirements and to harness the skills, competencies and potential that exists within the team.

Review, Report and Plan

  • Undertake periodic reviews of standard operating procedures to ensure application effectiveness,  and compliance with changing / developing work practices and codes of practice / best practice guidelines.
  • Monitoring  operator compliance to standards and conduct inspections and audits as required.
  • Assist in preparing the underground mining and project schedule.
  • Review remote bogging, backfill, production drill, charge plans and geotechnical instructions to ensure they are safe and achievable.
  • Frequent (multiple times throughout the day shift) communication with the production engineer and geotechnical department so that delays to schedules are avoided.
  • Preparation of high quality hand overs and communication of hazards to the oncoming shift supervisor.

Other:

  • Assist with the training and development of other mine operators by providing on-the-job information, mentoring and guidance to ensure they are operating safely.
  • Carry out all other duties that may reasonably be required.

Qualifications

  • Must be working toward attainment of the New Zealand A or B Grade Tunnel Managers’ Certificate of Competency.
  • Controlled Substance Licence suitable for operation at Waihi (preferred).
  • Current First Aid Certificate.
  • Current Driver’s License.

Experience                                   

  • Extensive underground mining experience with exposure to production mining techniques.
  • Sandvik automine remote operation experience highly desirable.
  • Previous supervisor experience is preferred but is not essential.
  • Extensive knowledge of the practices and techniques applied in underground mining.

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

  • Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
  • Relocation (travel & accommodation support) 
  • 8 on 6 off lifestyle roster
  • Hours of work, 6:30am to 7:30pm
  • Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
  • Discounts on retail and services
  • Free Southern Cross Healthcare
  • Life Insurance
  • Free Gym Membership 
  • BP Fuel card discount
  • 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 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 closing on 28 April 2026.  Shortlisting will commence immediately. 

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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