Hughes Collective is pleased to present an exciting opportunity on behalf of our client.

Role: Vice President, Environment, Safety & Regulatory Affairs

Location: Saskatoon, SK or Regina, SK

Our Client

The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) is the voice of Saskatchewan’s exploration and mining industry, a collaborative, purpose-driven force that works to ensure Saskatchewan is the most globally competitive and sustainable mining jurisdiction to invest in.

With deep roots in the province’s economic and innovative landscape, SMA brings together global-leading exploration and mining companies operating in Saskatchewan to align on shared goals, influence policy, and create pathways for sustainable growth of the mineral sector. The organization is small but mighty with big impact, leveraging our members expertise to accomplish our collective goals. SMA is respected across governments, industry, and national associations for its credible and pragmatic advocacy, technical expertise, and values-driven leadership.

Driven by integrity and collaboration, the team is fully focused on achieving its strategic goals. With the retirement of a long-serving and deeply trusted Vice President on the horizon, SMA is searching for the next leader to carry forward the legacy of impact anchored in an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, while bringing fresh insight to the evolving environmental, safety, and regulatory landscape of today’s industry

The Opportunity

This isn’t just a job. It’s a once-in-a-decade opportunity to help shape the future of mining in Saskatchewan and by extension, contribute to Canada’s approach to sustainably producing critical minerals that will feed, fuel and provide technology to Canada and the world.

As Vice President, Environment, Safety & Regulatory Affairs, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor and second in command to SMA’s President and as a highly visible leader across member companies, provincial and federal regulators, and national associations. This is a deeply technical, highly relational role where your work directly influences environmental performance, safety culture, and the efficiency of regulatory frameworks that govern the sector.

You won’t just be reading regulations and policies and, you’ll be shaping them. You won’t just be consulting on best practices; you’ll be a part of the committees that define them. You’ll dive deep into complex environmental files, mentor emerging leaders across member organizations, build consensus across competing interests, and advocate for smart, evidence-based solutions to some of the most pressing issues in mining today such as climate change and efficiently advancing critical mineral projects to production.

You’ll need to be comfortable in the details, confident in your voice, and passionate about doing work that truly matters.

Key Responsibilities

As the Vice President, Environment, Safety & Regulatory Affairs, you will work collaboratively and are responsible for:

1. Environmental and Safety Leadership and Strategy

• Lead SMA’s environment and safety portfolios, providing expert guidance on provincial and federal regulations, emerging trends, and member priorities.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex regulatory and policy changes to member organizations with clarity and actionable insight.
• Advocate for environmental and safety solutions that balance protection and progress, always rooted in data, science, and collaboration.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and industry advancements and actively participate in ongoing professional growth initiatives.
• Liaise with national associations (e.g., the Mining Association of Canada, Fertilizer Canada) to ensure Saskatchewan’s perspective and experience is incorporated into advancing solutions on the federal stage. 

2. Regulatory & Policy Leadership

• Foster a strong sense of community and trust among members of Environment and Safety Subject Matter Expert Committees, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and contributions valued when developing consensus-based regulatory and policy positions.
• Proactively and constructively engage with senior provincial and federal government environment and safety officials.
• Represent SMA at government tables, provincial, national and international industry conferences and events.

 3.  Events, Education & Public Presence

• Primary SMA Lead, alongside company colleagues, on signature SMA Safety and Environmental Events and initiatives such as the annual Emergency Response Mine Rescue Competition and bi-annual Environmental Forum.
• Contribute to public messaging and stakeholder engagement efforts as a visible and respected voice for SMA’s environmental and safety regulatory efforts and mineral sector performance.

Qualifications

As a Vice President, Environment, Safety & Regulatory Affairs, you will bring:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental and/or safety regulatory roles within industry, government, or technical consulting.
• Post-secondary qualifications in environmental science or technology, engineering, resource and environmental law, or a related field.
• A working familiarity with safety regulations, policies and processes is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and provincial environmental legislation and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and technically sound policy submissions and communications.
• Known for relationship-building and collaboration across industry, government, and stakeholder groups.
• Project Management Experience including leading committees, task forces, or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Passion for Saskatchewan’s mining industry and its role in a contributing to a sustainable, modern economy.

What Our Client Offers

• A purpose-driven role with province-wide and national impact in an industry that delivers benefits across global and local community levels.
• The opportunity to shape environmental and regulatory policy from within a trusted industry association.
• A supportive, values-based team with strong leadership and deep member engagement.
• Base salary, plus performance bonus potential.
• 8.5% employer-contributed RRSP.
• 100% employer-paid extended health benefits.
• This is a 37.5-hour workweek position; as a senior leader, you’ll occasionally flex your time to meet key deadlines or attend events.
• Limited but meaningful travel (primarily within Saskatchewan).

About the Collective

At Hughes Collective, we don’t just recruit, we revolutionize how talent meets opportunity. We’re not in the business of filling roles; we’re in the business of transforming careers and powering businesses with bold, game-changing hires.

For candidates, this isn’t just about your next job, it’s about uncovering your passions, amplifying your strengths, and unlocking your potential. We’re here to connect you to a career that excites, inspires, and fuels your future.

This isn’t recruitment as usual, this is Hughes Collective. Bold. Authentic. Unapologetically different. Your next move starts here.