Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT US:

Since 2009, Gowest has expanded its land holdings in the North Timmins Gold Project ("NTGP") area to cover a total of 109 square km in the Timmins gold camp, with much of the additional lands being located along the same geological structures – along the largely undeveloped Pipestone Fault, believed to be a splay off the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault, which has produced the majority of the 145 million ounces of gold produced historically along the Abitibi-Greenstone belt – that host Gowest's Bradshaw Gold Deposit (formerly Frankfield East) as well as a number of other gold showings.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the overall operational strategy, performance, and integration of all business functions to achieve corporate objectives for both the Bradshaw Mine Site and Northern Sun Mill facility. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO provides enterprise-wide leadership across mining and milling operations, supply chain, finance, HR, and corporate services, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth. This role drives strategic planning, operational efficiency, and organizational development to deliver shareholder value and long-term success.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Provide visionary leadership for all operational aspects of the company, including the Bradshaw Mine and Northern Sun Mill, ensuring both assets operate as an integrated, high-performing system.
• Develop and execute comprehensive corporate operational strategies that support the company's long-term vision, growth objectives, and stakeholder value creation.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans across mining, milling, supply chain, and corporate functions, driving alignment and accountability at every level.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, delivering clear insights on operational performance, risk management, and emerging opportunities.
• Anticipate industry trends and position the organization to capitalize on technological advancements, regulatory changes, and market dynamics.

Operational Excellence & Integration

• Oversee all site operations and corporate functions, ensuring seamless coordination between Bradshaw Mine and Northern Sun Mill for optimal production flow and cost efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across mining, milling, maintenance, supply chain, and support services to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
• Implement world-class operational standards and best practices, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, ESG, and governance requirements.
• Champion innovation in operational processes, technology adoption, and resource optimization to maintain competitive advantage. 

Financial Stewardship & Value Creation

• Lead enterprise-wide budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation processes, ensuring disciplined financial management and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Monitor and analyze key financial and operational KPIs across both sites, implementing corrective actions to optimize performance and profitability.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction strategies, productivity enhancements, and margin improvement initiatives without compromising safety or sustainability.
• Evaluate and prioritize capital projects that deliver long-term value and operational resilience.

People Leadership & Culture

• Build and sustain a high-performance leadership team capable of executing complex operational strategies across multiple sites.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration, embedding these values into every facet of the organization.
• Drive workforce planning, talent development, and succession strategies to ensure organizational readiness for future growth.
• Foster an environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and employee engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

• Represent the company in high-level discussions with investors, regulators, Indigenous communities, and strategic partners, reinforcing trust and transparency.
• Maintain open and accurate communication with the Board and external stakeholders regarding operational performance, risks, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards and ethical business practices across all operational and corporate functions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Business, or related discipline; MBA preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in mining or heavy industry, including executive-level responsibility for multi-site operations. 
• Proven track record in strategic planning, operational integration, and organizational transformation.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex budgets. 
• Ability to drive cultural change and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively lead others, and mentor staff to help them achieve their full potential.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with others; seek to understand the circumstances, needs and perspectives of others.
• Respect the unique contributions of all individuals and support a working environment where differences are appreciated, valued and encouraged.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The role is located in Timmins, Ontario, Canada.
• The ideal candidate for the role will work a schedule of 4 days on and 3 off, 10-hour days. Although you will be assigned a work schedule, this is not a guaranteed schedule of hours, and your work hours may vary with the needs of the company. 
• Gowest Gold promotes a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy with respect to alcohol or unauthorized drugs on site.

Gowest Gold is an equal opportunity employer, values diversity in its workforce, and encourages applications from qualified candidates. Wherever possible, accommodations are made for qualified applicants with self-declared disabilities. Gowest Gold thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Company reserves the right to administer relevant tests to shortlisted candidates selected for interviews, in an effort to determine their suitability and the preparedness of those candidates to accept and perform in the role for which they have applied.