Operations Lead

Overview

Lead operations of a large-scale mine water treatment plant.

Key Responsibilities

• water treatment
• maintenance planning
• budget management
• performance reporting
• risk management
• team leadership

Tasks

Reporting directly to the Directors, you will lead a team of 25+ staff and subcontractors, overseeing all aspects of plant operation, maintenance, shutdown planning, commercial management, and performance optimisation. This role demands strong technical and commercial leadership, ensuring operational excellence, cost efficiency, and delivery of contract obligations within a high-performing, safety-focused culture. -Ensure all operations meet contractual, regulatory, and quality obligations. -Take ownership of operational risk, performance, and financial outcomes, including reporting on P&L to the Directors. -Drive continuous improvement in plant reliability, efficiency, and cost control. -Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture with clear accountability and communication. -Maintain oversight of HSEQ performance and compliance across operational activities. -Manage the end-to-end operation of a large-scale mine water treatment facility, including commercials, production, maintenance, and shutdown planning. -Oversee a multi-disciplinary team of operators, engineers, and contractors to ensure safe and efficient delivery. -Develop and manage budgets, operational KPIs, and resource planning.

Requirements

• engineering degree
• ops management
• treatment ops
• team leadership
• financial acumen
• stakeholder management

What You Bring

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Operations Manager to take full responsibility for the operation and performance of a large-scale mine water treatment facility. -Degree qualified in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Process) or equivalent technical background. -10–15 years’ experience in operations management within water, wastewater, mining, or heavy process industries. -Proven experience managing treatment operations of a $50m+ facility. -Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex contracts. -Strong financial and commercial acumen with a track record in P&L accountability. -Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

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About W3 Associates

-Founded in Sydney, W3 Associates has carved a niche as Australia’s go-to recruiter for the water industry. -They specialize in placing roles across engineering, project delivery, operations, business development, and executive leadership. -Their typical projects involve building and staffing teams for water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, desalination upgrades, and smart-water initiatives. -W3’s client base spans engineering consultants, civil contractors, water utilities, OEMs, and O&M service providers. -They’ve played key roles in long-term programs like Sydney Water’s Partnering for Success and major desalination upgrades.

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