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-new 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 strong 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-recent 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 2028

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 diversity-and-inclusion.

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📌 Operations Manager (Owner's Representative) (Townsville City)
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📍 Townsville City