Our client is delivering a first-of-its-kind minerals processing facility in North Queensland, supporting the advancement and commercialisation of critical minerals. As the project transitions from construction into commissioning and early operations, they are seeking an experienced Operations Manager (Owner's Representative) to act as the owner's on-site representative and oversee operational governance, stakeholder coordination and readiness activities.
About the Role
This is a site-based position in Townsville, working at the centre of a brand-current processing facility as it moves toward commissioning and operational readiness.
Unlike a traditional Plant Manager role, this position is not responsible for running the plant day-to-day or managing operational teams. Instead, you will act as the owner's representative, working closely with the contracted operator, suppliers, customers and stakeholders to ensure the facility operates safely, reliably and in line with the owner's expectations.
This role is ideally suited to someone with robust stakeholder management, governance and operational assurance capability, coupled with the technical credibility to engage with complex processing operations and challenge outcomes when required.
Key Responsibilities
Represent the asset owner on-site and oversee operator performance
Establish and maintain operational governance and assurance frameworks
Coordinate commissioning readiness, campaign readiness and early operations activities
Monitor operational performance, KPIs, incidents and corrective actions
Provide oversight of safety systems, critical controls and high-risk activities
Maintain governance over Management of Change (MOC) and asset configuration
Support strategic asset reliability and lifecycle management initiatives
Act as the key interface between operators, suppliers, customers,



contractors and government stakeholders
Prepare executive briefings, recommendations and operational reports
Support procurement, contracts and commercial service delivery activities
About You
Experience within minerals processing, resources, energy, chemicals, heavy industry, infrastructure or other complex industrial environments
Exposure to commissioning, start-up, operational readiness or facility transitions
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
Proven ability to influence outcomes without direct line authority
Experience in operational governance, assurance, asset management and Management of Change (MOC)
Strong understanding of maintenance planning and asset management systems such as SAP or similar CMMS platforms
Comfortable operating in an ambiguous, first-of-its-kind environment where priorities continue to evolve
Previous Owner's Representative, Operational Assurance, Asset Management or Governance experience will be highly regarded
What's on Offer
Opportunity to shape a brand-new processing facility during commissioning and early operations
Unique owner-side role focused on governance, assurance and stakeholder leadership
Significant autonomy and influence without direct operational management responsibilities
Potential relocation support available for interstate candidates
38-hour work week (Monday-Friday)
AO8 Level, approximately $100/hr + super
Long-term project through to June ****
Backing of a major Queensland Government initiative
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.
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at .
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Operations Manager (Owner'S Representative) (Townsville)
🏢 Buscojobs
📍 Townsville