Supervisor, Assay Lab, Services
Workplace Type: Onsite
About Newmont
At Newmont, we’re not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we’re a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we’re dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
About Lihir
Our Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world’s largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.
We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.
Purpose
The Lab Supervisor – Services is responsible for overseeing daily laboratory operations, ensuring analytical accuracy, compliance with safety and quality standards, and efficient workflow management. This role provides leadership to the lab team, manages resources, and supports continuous improvement initiatives aligned with departmental objectives.
Essential Duties
- Supervise daily laboratory operations, including reviewing analytical results and monitoring workflow efficiency.
- Lead pre-start meetings, communicate safety topics, and ensure adherence to QMS, TARPs, and isolation procedures.
- Allocate tasks, coach and develop staff, manage rosters, approve leave, and conduct performance appraisals.
- Update and communicate KPIs, shift notes, and prepare weekly/monthly production reports.
- Conduct stock takes, order consumables, and manage PPE requests for lab personnel.
- Monitor equipment performance (SPC charts), perform calibration checks, and support preventive maintenance.
- Troubleshoot quality issues, implement corrective actions, and initiate Management of Change (MoC) processes.
- Maintain structured workflows, including VMB meetings, inspections, and 5S practices.
- Develop and deliver laboratory plans aligned with departmental objectives and drive process improvements
- Provide guidance, mentoring, and on-the-job training to build technical competence and leadership skills.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear expectations, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Address staff queries and resolve issues promptly to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Promote a strong safety culture by enforcing compliance with PPE, isolation procedures, and TARPs. Identify and manage safety risks.
- Encourage team morale through recognition of achievements and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Training & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or science field with 5-7 years as a supervisor or a supporting role to a supervisor in a mining lab setting.
- Skilled in operating and maintaining fusion furnaces, cupellation furnaces, pulverizers, Leco analyzers, AAS, and UV-Vis spectrometers.
- Ability to perform calibration checks, internal audits, and maintain compliance with QMS standards.
- Proficient in interpreting analytical results and monitoring Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts for process performance.
- Competent in implementing PM schedules and diagnosing technical issues with laboratory instruments.
- Experienced in using LIMS and digital tools for job profiling, KPI reporting, and workflow documentation.
- Comprehensive understanding of assay laboratory workflows, sample preparation, and analytical processes.
- Knowledge of internal audit processes, calibration schedules, and compliance standards. Knowledgeable in ISO 17025 requirements.
- Familiarity with TARPs, RACI, Permit-to-Work (PTW), isolations, and PPE requirements.
- In-depth knowledge of fusion furnaces, cupellation furnaces, pulverizers, Leco analyzers, AAS, and UV-Vis spectrometers.
- Understanding of internal PM schedules and troubleshooting techniques for laboratory equipment.
- Ability to monitor and interpret SPC charts for equipment and process performance.
- Familiarity with VMB meetings, 5S practices, inspections, and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Proficiency in preparing KPIs, production reports, and maintaining accurate records (e.g., worksheets scanning and filing).
Working Conditions
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 Safety, Integrity, Sustainability, Responsibility, and Inclusion, 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!
