Continuous Improvement Specialist
An integral new role in our Continuous Improvement team, the Continuous Improvement Specialist drives impactful change through collaboration, and operational engagement - working proactively with idea owners to accelerate implementation and deliver tangible results.
Over the last 12 months, we have delivered a transformative uplift in our underground mine production and productivity, pulling every lever possible to deliver a significant uplift in production.
The challenge now is to "maintain the rage", embedding the hard-won productivity and process improvements while driving forward the next set of improvements (we are not done yet!) and problem-solving to bridge new obstacles which arise.
We are looking for a high-calibre implementation resource, capable of delivering sustainable production and cost improvements in the highest-priority areas across the Waihi site.
Key Skills:
- Problem Solving: Skilled in structured problem solving in a complex technical environment.
- Analytical Insight: Applies data-driven thinking to support implementation and performance tracking.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Builds alignment and trust across operational, technical, and executive levels.
- Facilitation: Leads workshops that engage stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Communication and Presentation: Simplifies complex issues for broad audiences using visual tools.
- Critical Thinking and Prioritisation: Applies structured analysis to assess situations, prioritise, and make decisions under uncertainty.
Key Tasks:
- Facilitates effective problem-solving and ensures stakeholder alignment on improvement strategies.
- Applies advanced communication skills to translate complex issues into accessible formats for non-technical audiences, such as supervisors and operators, enabling wider input into problem solving and fostering alignment on approach.
- Builds trust and credibility across operational teams, including frontline personnel and technical specialists such as mining engineers and production planners, by engaging deeply in the improvement process. Demonstrates an ability to understand complex technical challenges without directly performing technical tasks.
- Ensures the sustainability of initiatives by embedding improved processes and behaviours, “wiring in” change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure the improvement process is embedded as an integral part of the department.
- Engage departments proactively to identify priorities and problem-solve to find solutions.
- Ensure idea owners receive sufficient analytical and implementation support.
- Support analysis where appropriate.
- Work directly with idea owners to quantify, document, implement, track, and validate ideas.
- Assist idea owners in understanding variances between actual and expected KPIs.
- Proactively work with idea owners to find ways to expedite implementation and achieve results.
- Facilitate the process of identifying wiring priorities and track implementation and sustainability.
- Assist in the development of wiring tools (e.g. variance reports, RARs, scorecards).
Qualifications
- Must have a tertiary qualification in a numerically focussed discipline (such as engineering, mathematics, science or similar) - degree level (required).
- Full and Current Driver Licence - Ability to Drive Manual Vehicles is preferred.
Additional Information
WHAT'S ON OFFER:
- Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
- Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
- 9-day fortnight lifestyle roster, enjoy a long weekend every second week
- Discounts on retail and services
- Free Southern Cross Healthcare
- Life Insurance
- Free Gym Membership
- BP Fuel card discount
- Career Development Opportunities
- 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 careers@oceanagold.com
**Applications close 8 March 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED