Operations Manager (Ao8)

Job Description

Our client is delivering a first-of-its-kind minerals processing facility in North Queensland, supporting the advancement and commercialisation of critical minerals.

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As the project transitions from construction into commissioning, they are seeking an experienced Operations Manager (Owner's Representative) to play a key role in establishing operational governance and driving performance from day one.

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About the Role

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This is a site-based position in Townsville, working at the centre of a brand-new processing facility as it moves toward commissioning (starting July).

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Acting as the Owner's Representative, you will oversee the third‐party operator, ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable operations while building the operational framework from the ground up.

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This is a highly autonomous role in a greenfield/start‐up environment, where the initial focus will be understanding the plant, its systems, and building strong stakeholder and supplier relationships ahead of full operations.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Represent the asset owner on-site, overseeing operator performance
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• Establish governance, assurance frameworks, and reporting structures
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• Support commissioning and early operations readiness
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• Drive performance through KPIs and structured operational routines
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• Oversee safety systems and critical controls
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• Manage operational change (MOC) and asset integrity
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• Build and manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders
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• Support commercial activities including contracts and service delivery
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About You

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• Background in mineral processing, mining, or industrial processing environments
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• Experience in commissioning, start‐up, or early operations
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• Strong understanding of operational governance, MOC, and asset management
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• Safety-focused with experience in high-risk industrial environments
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• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across multiple parties
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• Able to operate in a highly ambiguous, first-of-its-kind environment
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What's on Offer

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• Opportunity to shape a brand-new processing facility from commissioning phase
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• Site-based leadership role with strong autonomy and influence
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• Potential relocation support available for interstate candidates
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• 38-hour work week (Monday–Friday)
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• AO8 Level - Approx. $100/hr + super
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• Long-term project with strong government backing
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EEO Statement

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At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

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You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.