Director, Social Performance, Lihir

Workplace Type: Onsite

Newmont produces metals the world needs - safely, responsibly and with care for people, communities and the environment. With a 100+ year history, we continue to shape the future of mining through innovation and strong operational performance. By joining our inclusive, world-class team, you can help shape the future of mining and make a meaningful difference.

About Lihir

Lihir is one of the world's largest gold mining operations, located on Niolam Island in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province. The operation is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape and combines world-class mining and processing with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, innovation and technical excellence.

The operation combines open-pit mining and gold processing in a remote island setting, supported by modern facilities and a culture focused on improving daily.

At Lihir, you'll be part of a team that is deeply connected to the island and the communities that call it home. We are committed to creating lasting benefits through local employment, training, scholarships and apprenticeship programs, while fostering a workplace where people look out for one another and succeed together.

With a culture grounded in safety, respect and delivering responsibly, Lihir offers the opportunity to develop your career while contributing to an operation that plays an important role in Papua New Guinea's economic and social development.

We are seeking an experienced Director, Social Performance to lead our Social Performance team at Lihir Operations, one of the world's leading gold mines. This is a rare leadership opportunity to influence social outcomes, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute to the long-term success of one of Newmont's most significant operations.

Your impact

Reporting to the Head of External Relations & Social Performance, APAC , you will provide leadership and direction for all social performance and community relations activities across the Lihir operation. Leading a team of approximately 25 professionals, you will be responsible for developing and implementing programs that foster strong stakeholder relationships, manage social risk, and create positive outcomes for local communities.

You will work across the business to ensure social performance principles are embedded into operational decision-making while maintaining compliance with Newmont's global standards and commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the Social Performance team, fostering a high-performing culture that delivers effective community and stakeholder outcomes.
• Drive the implementation of Newmont’s Social Performance Standards across stakeholder engagement, community development, landowner agreements, human rights, Indigenous Peoples, resettlement and GISTM requirements.
• Partner across the business to deliver social performance programs and risk controls relating to local employment, local procurement, cultural heritage, human rights and community engagement.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with landowners, communities, regulators and other key stakeholders, effectively managing complex and sensitive issues to support business objectives.
• Develop and oversee community engagement, investment and development programs that create shared value and strengthen stakeholder partnerships.
• Lead social and human rights impact assessments, providing expert advice on social risk management and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Oversee grievance management processes, ensuring concerns are addressed fairly, transparently and in line with human rights commitments.
• Monitor social performance trends, risks and compliance obligations, implementing improvement initiatives and supporting governance, assurance and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability reporting obligations, including contributions to annual sustainability and climate reporting.

About You

You are a respected leader with deep experience managing complex stakeholder relationships within large-scale resource, infrastructure, energy, or industrial environments. You have demonstrated operational execution experience working in culturally diverse communities.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Performance, Community Development, Social Sciences, Sustainability, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Significant leadership experience in social performance, community relations, external affairs, or sustainability.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders in complex operating environments.
• Strong understanding of social risk management, human rights due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and community development.
• Experience working with government agencies, regulators, Indigenous groups, community representatives, and industry partners.
• Commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, planning, and performance reporting.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

You will demonstrate strong cultural awareness and respect for local customs and practices, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where team members are empowered to contribute, collaborate and grow. Through effective coaching and mentoring, you will develop capability within the team while fostering open communication, accountability and high performance.

As a leader, you will understand the dynamics of diverse teams, build strong working relationships, and proactively navigate challenges and conflict to achieve positive outcomes for both the team and the business.

Your work environment

Located on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, Newmont's Lihir operation is one of the world's premier gold-producing assets. This role offers the opportunity to work at a globally significant mining operation where social performance is critical to operational success and sustainable community outcomes.

At Newmont, our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone can work to their full potential, free from discrimination, while respecting the cultures, religions, and governance of the regions in which we operate. Guided by our values of Be Always Safe, Care Deeply, Deliver Responsibly and Improve Daily, our Lihir team – 90% of which are Papua New Guinean – is dedicated to creating a culturally rich and supportive environment where meaningful, long-term connections can be formed within the industry.

We believe in the strength of our people and the positive impact we can create together. Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary, flexible packaging options, and programs that recognize those who go above and beyond. We know no candidate meets every qualification listed, so if you share our values and feel you can make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to apply – we’d love to hear from you!