Reporting to the Manager, Social Environmental and Regulatory Affairs (SERA), the Senior Lead, Regulatory Affairs plays a key role in advancing regulatory processes. As part of a team, they ensure appropriate permits are secured to support Project operational and development activities. The Senior Lead will help advance the Project through a Major Regulatory Approval (MRA) process resulting in the successful issuance of all required permits and authorizations to enable construction and operation of the updated project configuration, as well as amendments and authorizations required to complete contemplated early works development of project infrastructure. This includes assessment of risks to the successful, efficient, and timely regulatory approval process and receipt of authorizations, and implementation of appropriate management and mitigation strategies.
Overview
The position will be based out of either the Smithers (preferred) or Vancouver office, with travel between Smithers and Vancouver, local communities, and the Project site as required.
Located in northwestern British Columbia, Galore Creek is one of the world’s largest undeveloped porphyry copper-gold-silver deposits. GCMC, a partnership between Newmont Corporation and Teck Resources Limited, is committed to improving the project economics and advancing the asset towards development. Working closely with the Tahltan Nation and other local communities, we strive for excellence in all our activities, with continuous improvement and responsible practices that contribute to sustainable development.
Responsibilities
- Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on the common values of Health, Safety, Environment, and Communities shared by the asset owners (Teck and Newmont).
- Collaborate closely with SERA leadership and team, to implement and refine the regulatory strategy, leading the project through an MRA process, to secure the required permits and authorizations to enable construction, initial project development and operation of the updated project configuration.
- Lead planning and execution of Regulatory scope, ensuring the appropriate work is completed to Galore Creek Partner, industry, and regulatory standards.
- Leverage existing authorizations and develop and implement strategies to smoothly navigate regulatory processes. Coordinate appropriate engagement with regulators to understand options and constraints related to regulatory pathways, processes, and timelines. Ensure timelines and schedules are met through proactive intervention.
- Work closely with the Technical, Environmental and Social teams, SMEs and contractors including those conducting regulatory strategy and preparedness scopes, to identify regulatory risks and issues to incorporate into regulatory strategy. Lead all regulatory scopes, including activities that support feasibility studies, environmental assessment and permitting activities.
- Collaborate closely with Manager, Field Operations, Senior Lead, Health, Safety and Compliance and other SERA members to ensure that the appropriate regulatory authorizations are in place to enable the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Project Site, as well as field work in support of Project studies.
- Develop and maintain a register of risks to regulatory approval and receipt of authorizations, and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Collaboratively work with Manager SERA, Director Operations and External Affairs and Mine Manager to develop and maintain proactive relationships with local, Provincial and Federal government agencies, focusing on those overseeing pertinent policy, processes, and regulations.
- Represent Galore Creek professionally in meetings with regulatory officials and in various government and industry associations’ committees, task forces and working groups.
- Monitor regulatory issues and changes across the relevant jurisdictions (Tahltan, Provincial and Federal Governments), and identify trends in regulatory requirements in order to strategically position the Project. Ensure effective communication across the Project Team and Committees on upcoming regulatory changes and the implications.
- Build respectful working relationships within the Project Team, asset owners, external partners i.e. various levels of government and Tahltan Nation, to contribute to the stability and functionality of GCMC’s reputation, management, and governance practices.
Qualifications
- Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geoscience, Social or Political Science, or other relevant field from an accredited curriculum.
- 10+ years of progressively senior level experience in mining, environmental science, government, regulatory approvals, sustainability, and/or external relations.
- 5+ years of environmental assessment or permitting experience in the resource industry.
- Sound technical knowledge related to regulatory processes and approvals. Knowledge of the regulatory environment in BC and Canada preferred.
- Strong leadership, management and team building skills; ability to empower and encourage others, support employees, and ensure a safe, healthy and inclusive workforce.
- Breadth of industry knowledge, including awareness of relevant fields: engineering, environmental assessment, mine development, construction and site operations, health & safety, mine rock and tailings management, processing, water stewardship principles, closure planning.
- Ability to assess stage-gate criteria, identify gaps, and design studies that will effectively address these requirements, including ability to craft and coordinate the execution of social and environmental studies.
- Ability to understand technical, engineering, and geoscience data, and work collaboratively with technical and engineering teams to design solutions that contribute value and reduce project risk, incorporate Indigenous design criteria, are acceptable to local communities, and can be efficiently authorized and permitted.
- Results-driven, adept at finding effective solutions, capable of articulating business drivers to impact and influence decision-making, establish alignment, and achieve desired outcomes.
- Recognized leader with strong organizational, planning, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team as well as effectively engage third parties.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, and representing Galore Creek in potentially challenging public settings.
- High degree of motivation, strategic planning, and self-starting capabilities.
- Confirmed ability to prioritize, work under pressure with minimal guidance and meet tight delivery dates.
HOW TO APPLY
At Galore Creek, we value diversity. Our teams work collaboratively and respect each person’s unique perspective and contribution.
Qualified applicants interested in joining a dynamic team are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter electronically.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. Galore Creek respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.