AO8 - Operations Manager

An AO8 - Operations Manager is required for a 2-year contract for a State Government Department.

Your new company

Join the Queensland Government team working on the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, a new minerals processing site being built in Townsville. As the Operations Manager (Owner's Representative), you will support the delivery of the facility and help ensure it operates safely, reliably and efficiently from day one.

Your new role

Based at the QRCUF site in Townsville, you will act as the Queensland Government's on-site representative, providing operational governance, assurance and oversight of the third-party operator.
This is a unique start-up environment where you will be a part of establishing strong operating discipline and governance frameworks, oversee operational readiness and performance, ensure safe, reliable and repeatable facility operations, and support research, development and commercialisation of mineral processing technologies.
Key responsibilities

• Represent the owner on-site, translating requirements into clear operational expectations.
• Establish and maintain governance, assurance frameworks and performance standards.
• Drive operational performance through structured decision-making and oversight.
• Lead operational readiness reviews and provide go/no-go recommendations.
• Verify compliance with safety-critical controls and operating standards.
• Oversee management of change (MOC) and asset configuration governance.
• Monitor performance metrics, incidents and risks, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including operators, contractors and customers.
• Support commercial strategies, contracts and customer engagement.

What you'll need to succeed

We're looking for someone with:

• Experience as an Owner's Representative or operational assurance leader.
• Strong knowledge of facility commissioning, operations and critical controls.
• Proven ability to drive outcomes without direct line management authority.
• Expertise in operational governance, asset & risk management and MOC processes.
• A solid asset management and reliability mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience managing complex projects or start-up operations within the resources, infrastructure or government sector.
• Previous experience in the resources or minerals processing sector is highly desirable.
• The ability to travel away from Townsville as required.
• Hold a valid Construction White Card and open C-class Driving Licence.
• The ability to pass a Criminal History Check.

What you'll get in return

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a flagship Queensland Government facility while working in a high-impact role that supports global critical minerals supply chains. You will benefit from an attractive AO8 salary starting from $97.66 per hour plus superannuation, along with a two-year contract and flexible full-time working arrangements. You'll also be part of a collaborative and inclusive team environment that values strong partnerships and professional contribution.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to [email protected], or call Jaidah Vidler now on +07 4417 1146.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.