VP of Permitting & Major Project Development (Phoenix)

Vice President, Permitting & Major Project Development

Location: Phoenix, AZ

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.

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.

Offer:

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