Upstream Operations Manager

ABOUT SO4:

At SO4, we're not just mining a resource. We're pioneering a new industry.

Our mission is to produce world-class Sulphate of Potash (SOP), a premium potassium fertiliser that supports sustainable agriculture around the world. Located at our Lake Way Operation in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, just 15 kilometres south of Wiluna, we have successfully delivered our first product and are now entering an exciting phase of operational growth and optimisation.

This is a rare opportunity to join a company that is redefining how fertiliser minerals are produced in Australia. Our operation combines large-scale brine extraction, evaporation pond management, salt harvesting and advanced processing in a way few operations globally can match.

As we continue to grow, we're seeking exceptional people who are excited by innovation, thrive in complex operational environments and want to play a critical role in shaping the future of our business.

Our values guide everything we do:

People | Ownership | Nurture | Drive | Safety

We are committed to creating a workplace built on integrity, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement, while never compromising the safety of our people or the sustainability of our operations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Site Operations and working an attractive 4:3 / 8:6 FIFO roster ex Perth, the Upstream Operations Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the entire upstream operation that underpins SO4's production process.

You will lead all upstream activities including:

• Brine production from borefields and trenches
• Operation and optimisation of the evaporation pond network
• Potassium (K) salt and halite harvesting operations
• Feedstock management for downstream fertiliser production

This is far more than a traditional mining or processing leadership role. You will oversee a highly specialised operation where hydrogeology, chemistry, metallurgy, mining, and large-scale water management intersect to create one of Australia's most fascinating resource environments.

Leading a team of Operations Superintendents, Planning Engineers and Process Engineering specialists, you will work closely with Engineering, Resource Development, Commercial, Finance and Processing teams to ensure safe, reliable and efficient delivery of upstream production objectives.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced operational leader who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing high-performing teams and making a tangible impact on the success of a growing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Leading all upstream operations with an unwavering focus on safety, performance and operational excellence
• Managing mass balances, pond inventories and dynamic pond models to optimise crystallisation and brine movement
• Overseeing pumping systems, pipelines and hydraulic networks, including performance optimisation and troubleshooting
• Managing evaporation pond chemistry, saturation control and precipitation behaviour to maintain operational targets
• Directing paleochannel borefield operations, including groundwater management, grade control and leak detection
• Ensuring compliance with the Groundwater Operating Strategy (GWOS)
• Supporting drilling campaigns, bore installations and future field development projects
• Leading K-harvesting activities including planning, execution, material handling and operational reporting
• Developing blending strategies that deliver consistent plant feed quality and minimise contamination risks
• Driving QA/QC processes, sampling programs, data validation and technical reporting standards
• Developing and maintaining operating procedures, SOPs and safe work instructions
• Delivering accurate production, grade, pumping and cost analysis to support informed decision-making
• Acting as the site's Quarry Manager / Schedule 26 statutory appointee
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across upstream operations
• Building a high-performance culture focused on accountability, capability development and operational excellence

ABOUT YOU

You are a capable and influential leader who combines strong operational management experience with deep technical expertise.

You thrive in complex operating environments, enjoy solving challenging problems and understand how to balance safety, people leadership and commercial outcomes.

You bring a strong understanding of brine systems, borefield operations, evaporation ponds, salt harvesting and large-scale fluid management systems, together with the leadership capability to build and develop high-performing teams.

To be successful, you will have:

• More than 10 years' experience in mining, process operations, chemical processing, salt production or related industries
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline (highly regarded)
• A WA Quarry Manager's Certificate and the ability to fulfil Section 26 statutory requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing pumping systems, pipeline networks, hydraulics and brine transfer operations
• Strong knowledge of groundwater behaviour, borefield operations, leak detection and grade control
• Experience leading harvesting operations and developing plant feed blending strategies
• Proven capability analysing operational data and solving complex technical challenges
• Experience within mining or civil operations, ideally involving dewatering, material movement, water management or salt production
• A strong commitment to safety, compliance, quality and continuous improvement
• High-level proficiency across Office 365, Pronto, Aconex and INX

WHY JOIN SO4

Opportunities like this are rare.

You'll be joining a growing Australian resource company at a pivotal stage of its journey, with the chance to influence strategy, shape operational performance and leave a lasting impact on a unique operation.

In return, we offer:

• Attractive 4:3 / 8:6 FIFO roster ex Perth
• Permanent full-time employment
• Competitive salary package
• Participation in the Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP)
• Genuine leadership influence and visibility across the business
• A collaborative, supportive and values-driven culture
• Regular social and team events
• 8 weeks Paid Parental Leave, including return-to-work incentive
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness App
• Manager Assistance Program (MAP)
• Salary Packaging options including Novated Leasing, Electronic Devices, Education Expenses, FIFO Travel and Airport Parking
• Retail and lifestyle discounts

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to lead one of Australia's most distinctive upstream resource operations and help shape the future growth of SO4.

APPLY NOW

If you're ready to take on a career-defining leadership opportunity and play a key role in the future of a growing Australian mining business, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applicants must hold unrestricted Australian working rights and satisfy all site access requirements, including pre-employment medical assessment, drug and alcohol screening and National Police Clearance.

SO4 celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people living with disability.