Studies Manager (Underground Coal)

Not every mining engineer is suited to studies management. The difference isn’t intelligence. It’s judgement.

At Palaris, one of our values is simple: say what you mean, and mean what you say.

So rather than writing a generic job ad full of corporate fluff, we’re going to be direct about this role.

This is a rare opportunity to learn studies management from one of the best in the business, John Pala, and accelerate your development in a way most site-based roles simply cannot.

But this role is not for everyone.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a high-performing underground coal mining engineer who has outgrown the traditional site pathway.

We want to talk to you if you:

• Are bored solving the same problems on the same mine
• Want more variety, challenge and broader exposure
• Learn fast and think critically
• Form a high-level view without needing perfect data
• Understand that good studies are about decision quality, not just technical outputs
• Want to develop commercial judgement, not just strength mine planning capability

You’re probably already a strong mine planner and you know the next step in your career is bigger than producing schedules. You want to understand what drives value, what creates risk, and how major mining decisions get made. You may also want to put your toe in the water and see how a metals study is done different to a coal study - an opportunity that would also be available to you if you joined Palaris.

Who This Role May Not Be For

We don’t want to set you up to fail. If the below describes you, then this role may not be for you:

• Prefer repetitive work and highly structured environment
• Need constant direction or processes to tell you what to do
• Don’t like change and find comfort in the same workday
• Move slowly through analysis
• Need perfect data before making decisions
• Are highly software capable but struggle with strategic thinking

This is because Palaris moves fast. You’ll be challenged, stretched and exposed to work that many mining engineers never see: mine optimisation, due diligence, development strategy and investment decisions across multiple assets.

Hmmm… Want to Chat at least before sending a CV?

The best mining engineers eventually realise that technical capability alone is not enough. Judgement, commercial thinking and the ability to make decisions under uncertainty are what set exceptional leaders apart.

If that resonates with you, let’s talk.

Why not reach out and have an initial conversation with Chris Anderson (02) 4911 2218 or apply with your resume and a brief cover note.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position; applicants must have full work rights for Australia.