Reporting to the Head of Site Operations and working an attractive 4:3 / 8:6 FIFO roster ex Perth, the Upstream Operations Manager is one of the most influential operational leadership roles on site at SO4.This is your opportunity to take ownership of the entire upstream production system that powers our operation, leading everything from the Borefields and brine extraction network through to the Evaporation Ponds, Harvesting activities and Feedstock Delivery to the Processing Plant.At SO4, the upstream operation is our mine.
It is where production begins, where value is created, and where operational leadership has the greatest ability to influence safety, reliability, production outcomes and business performance.As the leader of this critical operational area, you will be accountable for the performance of a vast and complex production network spanning:Borefields and brine abstraction systemsTrench and pumping infrastructurePipeline and hydraulic transfer networksEvaporation pond operations and optimisationPotassium salt and halite harvesting activitiesFeedstock quality and delivery to the processing plantThis is not a traditional operations role.You will lead a multidisciplinary operation where mining, water management, hydrogeology, chemical processing, harvesting and logistics converge.
Every decision you make has a direct impact on production volumes, plant performance, product quality and the future growth of the business.Leading a team of Superintendents, Engineers and Technical Specialists, you will set the vision, drive operational excellence and build a high-performance culture that delivers safe, reliable and sustainable production outcomes.
You will work closely with Processing, Engineering, Resource Development and Commercial teams to ensure the entire value chain operates as one integrated production system.For an accomplished operational leader, this is a rare opportunity to take command of an operation of significant scale and complexity, while shaping the next phase of growth for Australia's only SOP producer.What Success Looks LikeIn this role, you will:Provide visible, decisive leadership across all upstream operationsBuild and develop a high-performing team with a strong culture of accountability, capability and safetyDeliver production targets across the borefields, ponds and harvesting operationsMaximise brine supply, pond performance and harvesting productivityEnsure consistent, quality feedstock is delivered to the processing plantDrive operational efficiencies,



cost performance and continuous improvement initiativesIdentify and execute opportunities to enhance production capacity and reliabilityCreate alignment across multiple operational disciplines to achieve business-wide objectivesMaintain the highest standards of statutory compliance, risk management and operational governanceUltimately, you will be the leader responsible for transforming the upstream operation into a world-class production system, ensuring every litre of brine, every hectare of pond capacity and every tonne of harvested salt contributes to the success of SO4.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 | SafetyWe 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 YOUYou 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 industriesTertiary qualifications in Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline (highly regarded)A WA Quarry Manager's Certificate and the ability to fulfil Section 26 statutory requirementsDemonstrated experience managing pumping systems, pipeline networks, hydraulics and brine transfer operationsStrong knowledge of groundwater behaviour, borefield operations, leak detection and grade controlExperience leading harvesting operations and developing plant feed blending strategiesProven capability analysing operational data and solving complex technical challengesExperience within mining or civil operations, ideally involving dewatering, material movement, water management or salt productionA strong commitment to safety, compliance, quality and continuous improvementHigh-level proficiency across Office 365, Pronto, Aconex and INXWHY JOIN SO4Opportunities 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 PerthCompetitive salary packageParticipation in the Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP)Genuine leadership influence and visibility across the businessA cooperative, supportive and values-driven cultureRegular social and team events8 weeks Paid Parental Leave, including return-to-work incentiveEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness AppManager Assistance Program (MAP)Salary Packaging options including Novated Leasing, Electronic Devices, Education Expenses, FIFO Travel and Airport ParkingRetail and lifestyle discountsMost 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.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.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Upstream Operations Manager (Kalgoorlie - Boulder)
🏢 SO4
📍 Kalgoorlie - Boulder