Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Seniority: Senior Leadership
Education: Engineering Degree or similar technical discipline
Experience: 15–20+ years
Industry: Oil & Gas / Mining / Major Projects
We are seeking a highly experienced PNG National Country Manager based in Port Moresby to lead in?country operations, stakeholder engagement, and overall business performance. This role requires a senior professional with deep knowledge of PNG’s operational landscape, workforce challenges, and industry standards—someone ideally with long-term exposure to major operators or contractors (e.g., mining and energy projects).
The successful candidate will act as the primary in?country contact, ensuring smooth coordination across clients, government entities, contractors, and field teams.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Operations Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all in?country operations. Ensure compliance with PNG laws, regulations, and local content requirements. Drive business performance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. Lead and mentor national teams while fostering a strong safety and integrity culture. Stakeholder & Community Engagement Serve as the main point of contact for clients, partners, and community stakeholders. Navigate complex local dynamics, including workforce, cultural, and community considerations. Engage with government agencies, landowner groups, and regulatory bodies as required. Project & Business Management Oversee project delivery, timelines, budgets, and performance KPIs. Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies for operational challenges. Support business development opportunities and expansion strategies in PNG. People Management Address workforce issues effectively, particularly in environments where employees have long tenure with large operators (e.g., Barrick, mining sites). Promote a professional, collaborative, and culturally aligned working environment. Support recruitment, retention, and development of national staff. Requirements PNG National (mandatory). 15–20+ years professional experience in Oil & Gas, Mining, Engineering, or Major Project environments. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical/management discipline. Proven experience in leadership roles within PNG, preferably with multinational operators or Tier?1 contractors. Strong understanding of PNG labour practices, cultural dynamics, and operational challenges. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Ability to manage high-pressure environments, complex stakeholder relationships, and remote project teams. Desirable Attributes Background working with organizations such as Newmont, Barrick, Ok Tedi, Newcrest, ExxonMobil, Santos, or similar. Experience resolving workforce issues and leading multicultural teams. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate autonomously. Established network across PNG’s resource sector and government agencies.