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Group Manager - Sustainability & ESG

K92 Mining Inc. • Australia • Added on Sep 10, 2026
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As the Group Manager for Sustainability and ESG, you will act as the primary architect of the company’s non-financial performance strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee the full spectrum of sustainability governance, from climate risk disclosures and human rights frameworks to investor-facing ESG ratings. This is a high-impact leadership position that bridges the gap between corporate vision in Brisbane and operational realities in mining environments.

In an industry facing intense scrutiny, your work will be the cornerstone of the firm’s social licence to operate. By integrating responsible business practices into a rapidly growing gold mining portfolio, you will ensure that environmental stewardship and community value creation are not just peripheral activities but core drivers of long-term shareholder value. This role offers the rare chance to shape the ESG maturity of an emerging mid-tier producer during a critical expansion phase.

This suits someone who possesses deep commercial acumen and the gravitas to influence executive boards, particularly within the energy or extractive sectors. You should be a strategic thinker who thrives in agile, high-growth environments where sustainability is viewed as a competitive advantage.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves designing and implementing a robust ESG governance framework that aligns with international standards. You will be responsible for translating high-level sustainability goals into actionable operational strategies, ensuring that the company remains ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and investor expectations. Key responsibilities include leading climate-related strategy and disclosures, conducting regular materiality assessments, and managing ESG risk across the entire organization. You will also oversee the production of comprehensive sustainability reports, ensuring data integrity and transparent communication regarding the company's social and environmental performance.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to the complexities of international mining regulations and the unique ESG challenges associated with operating in Papua New Guinea. This provides a deep dive into the intersection of social performance, human rights, and high-stakes industrial operations. You will also sharpen your expertise in emerging climate disclosure frameworks (such as TCFD/ISSRB) and learn how to manage sophisticated investor relations concerning non-financial metrics. The proximity to the CEO and Board Committees offers a rare masterclass in corporate governance and executive-level decision-making.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a background in mining, resources, or highly regulated heavy industries. You should hold tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or Sustainability Management, complemented by a track record of driving ESG performance in a corporate setting. Beyond technical knowledge of reporting standards, you need strong commercial acumen to demonstrate how sustainability initiatives drive business value. Outstanding communication skills are essential, as you must be able to translate complex environmental and social data into compelling narratives for investors and clear directives for operational teams.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond generalist ESG knowledge and demonstrate a specific understanding of the socio-economic context of mining in PNG. Highlighting experience with human rights due diligence or community engagement in emerging markets will show that you understand the company's specific risk profile. Tailor your application to show your influencing capabilities. Use your cover letter to provide examples of where you successfully navigated conflicting priorities between operational growth and sustainability requirements, as the company values its agile and entrepreneurial culture.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role will likely focus heavily on social licence and human rights, given the operational location of the Kainantu mine. Ensuring that growth is responsible and benefits local communities is paramount to the company's long-term success. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on climate resilience and decarbonization. As an extractive business, demonstrating a clear path toward emissions management and transparent reporting on environmental impacts will be a top priority for your interaction with institutional investors.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main challenges is integrating ESG metrics into an organization that is scaling rapidly. Maintaining rigorous standards while the company grows requires building strong cross-functional relationships and ensuring that operational managers see sustainability as a benefit rather than a bottleneck. Another hurdle is managing the diverse expectations of stakeholders, ranging from local communities in PNG to global institutional investors in Toronto. Balancing these often-competing interests requires high levels of diplomacy and strategic prioritization.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a briefing for the Board’s Sustainability Committee on recent ESG performance metrics followed by a coordination meeting with operational leaders in PNG to discuss social performance initiatives. You would likely spend time analyzing new climate disclosure regulations to ensure current reporting remains compliant. Afternoons might be dedicated to investor engagement, responding to queries from ESG ratings agencies, or working with the finance team to integrate sustainability risks into the corporate risk register. The day concludes with strategic planning for upcoming materiality assessments.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role is a significant leadership platform within a growing mid-tier producer. Success in this position could lead to a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) role or broader executive responsibilities in corporate affairs or risk management. Given the high visibility of the role, you will build a global professional profile among mining executives and ESG investors. The chance to build a sustainability function from a relatively early stage provides a unique portfolio piece for any senior professional looking to demonstrate transformative leadership.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic counsel on ESG risks and opportunities. You will also work closely with the Board Committees to ensure governance structures are robust and effective. External stakeholders include institutional investors and ESG ratings agencies who require transparent data on performance. Furthermore, you will collaborate with operational site leaders and social performance teams to ensure that group-level strategies are effectively implemented on the ground.

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