Introduction

Vice President, Permitting & Major Project Development Location: Phoenix, AZ

What are you going to do 

Brunel is seeking a Vice President of Permitting & Major Project Development for a growing mining company. Reporting to the CEO, this executive will lead permitting, environmental, community, government, and sustainability functions to advance major mine development and expansion projects.

The immediate priority is progressing a proposed open-pit, heap-leach copper project in Arizona.

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong influence, cross-functional coordination, and external stakeholder engagement. The position has no direct reports but carries broad oversight across critical workstreams.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead end-to-end permitting strategy across federal, state, and local levels.
  • Drive alignment across internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
  • Build and manage relationships with regulatory agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
  • Develop and execute community engagement strategies to secure social license.
  • Represent the company in public forums, hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
  • Oversee environmental compliance, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies.
  • Guide sustainability initiatives including water, energy, emissions, and land reclamation.
  • Monitor regulatory developments and shape government affairs strategy.
  • Influence complex, multi-stakeholder outcomes without direct authority.

Essential skills and knowledge

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years in mining, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
  • Proven experience advancing U.S. mine development projects.
  • Strong knowledge of permitting, environmental compliance, and government relations.
  • Experience with Arizona regulatory frameworks required.
  • Background in heap-leach/SX-EW operations.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and navigate public scrutiny.

What we offer 

Offer: Competitive base salary, short- and long-term incentives, 401(k) match, full benefits, and relocation support.

Closing: 21 May 2026

Apply Now

Are you the perfect match for this vacancy? Apply in 5 minutes and let's get in touch!

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Process of your application

Application process & contact

We will now begin examining your application: We will take a close look at your application documents and ask you for additional information if necessary. If your qualifications match our requirements, we will invite you to meet us for the first time.

Project discussion with our customer

If the introductory meeting goes well for you and us, we will arrange a meeting with the customer who has the perfect project for you. This gives you the opportunity to find out more about the customer and the project.

The decision

If you enjoyed the project discussion and the customer is also convinced of your expertise, we will ask you the final and decisive question: Do you want to get started at Brunel?

Introductory conversation with Brunel

In an introductory meeting, we would like to find out more about your interests, ambitions and professional developments. At the same time, we report on working at Brunel and provide information about all career opportunities and prospects.

Welcome to Brunel

Now great times are beginning! With Brunel you have countless opportunities to help shape technological progress. You decide how your career path goes. We support you in every phase of your career. You always have security behind you: Brunel!