Business Partner - People & Culture (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)

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An exciting six month fixed term Business Partner - People & Culture role with OceanaGold in Waihi, delivering professional HR advice across employee relations, workforce planning, policy, performance, change management and health and safety, with hands on collaboration with Talent Acquisition and onboarding. Based onsite at Waihi Beach, the role offers a 9-day fortnight, hours 6:30 am to 4 pm, and a residential arrangement near the Coromandel. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in HR or related field, have at least 3 years of generalist HR experience in a large or complex heavy industry, and a current NZ driver’s license, with familiarity with collective agreements. To apply, tailor your CV to show IR experience, coaching outcomes, policy development and successful change initiatives, and demonstrate alignment with OceanaGold values. You must have NZ working visa; applications close 14 August 2026; agency applications will not be accepted.

Company Description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience.  We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~5,400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value.  We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE: OGC).

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

Bring your human resources expertise to OceanaGold! Live at Waihi Beach, just a 7 minute drive from the Waihi gold mine. This is an exciting opportunity to join People & Culture (P&C) team as the business continues to grow. The P&C Business Partner is responsible for delivering professional, proactive human resources advice, support, and services to employees at OceanaGold to help them achieve agreed outputs and strategic goals.

The role involves a high degree of contact with people across a broad range of activities. Services provided include but are not limited to: employee and industrial relations; workforce planning and policy; performance management; professional development; change management & health and safety.

Key responsibilities

• Interpreting employment legislation, regulations, policies and employment agreements to provide accurate and comprehensive generalist HR advice and assistance to managers and staff.  
• Contributing to the development of best practice policies, strategies, frameworks and plans.
• Assisting with the negotiation of the Collective Agreements including identifying options and costs.
• Providing advice, assistance and coaching on performance issues, including dealing with individual cases of conflict and disciplinary action.
• Working in partnership with managers to provide timely solutions, and proactive and responsive advice.
• Overseeing the  employee injury case management process.
• Working with the Talent Acquisition team to identify and regularly review staffing needs and assist with onboarding requirements.
• Contributing to, and supporting, employee induction and orientation..
• Challenge attitudes and behaviours to promote wider thinking.
• 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.
• Provide mentoring and support to the P&C Co-ordinator.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in HR, management or related field preferred. 
• Full and Current Driver Licence essential.
• At least 3 years’ experience in an HR/P&C generalist role in a large and/or complex organisation in Mining, Construction or Engineering or other heavy industry is desirable.

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• 6 Months Fixed Term Contract (possibility of extension)
• 9-Day Fortnight roster cycle (enjoy a long weekend every second week)
• Hours of work: 6:30am to 4:00pm
• Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
• Free Gym Membership 
• Career Development Opportunities 
• 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 close 14 August 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Please note that a valid New Zealand working Visa will be required for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED