Head Of Operations

Description:

Job title: Head of operations

Location: Hillside (site-based, with relocation provided – must reside within 35km of Hillside)
About the opportunity
Rex Minerals is seeking a highly experienced head of operations to oversee the successful planning, commissioning, and operational phases of the Hillside mining and processing plant.
This executive leadership role is responsible for managing all aspects of mine development, production, safety, environmental management, compliance, and process optimisation. The head of operations will play a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition from project development to full-scale operations, working closely with government agencies, contractors, and internal teams to deliver on production, cost, and efficiency targets.
As a key driver of operational excellence, you will lead a multidisciplinary team and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, contractors, and community representatives to ensure the sustainable and responsible growth of the Hillside Project.
Key responsibilities

• Actively apply and promote MACH Metals policies and ensure that workers observe these principles within the workplace.
• Actively participate in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the integrated management system.
• Lead and oversee the commissioning of the mine and processing plant, ensuring that operational readiness is achieved.
• Develop and manage the project timeline, ensuring critical milestones are met during the commissioning and startup phases.
• Identify and mitigate environmental, technical, and operational risks associated with commissioning.
• Lead the transition from the development phase to full-scale operations, ensuring a smooth handover from construction to operational teams.
• Identify and address potential bottlenecks and scale-up challenges, ensuring the mine and processing plant achieve full operational capacity.
• Collaborate with government agencies, contractors, and local stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead all operational activities at the mine and processing plant to ensure a safe, efficient, and productive environment.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimise resource extraction, processing capacity, and overall productivity.
• Oversee day-to-day mine and processing operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and adherence to operational plans.
• Lead the execution of mine and processing operations in a safe and cost-effective manner while optimising resources, production, and timelines.
• Lead and manage relationships with the mining services contractor, ensuring adherence to contractual agreements, safety standards, and performance expectations.
• Monitor and evaluate contractor performance, addressing any performance issues or delays.
• Manage and monitor performance metrics, adjusting strategies and operations as needed to meet production goals and reduce costs.
• Ensure effective maintenance strategies are in place for all equipment, facilities, and infrastructure to minimise downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and industry best practices.
• Foster a safety-first culture across the workforce, ensuring proactive risk management, incident investigation, and corrective actions.
• Oversee environmental stewardship initiatives, including waste management, water usage, and rehabilitation efforts.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations management team, including department heads and operational staff.
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture, promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing requirements for operations, ensuring the right mix of skills and resources are in place.
• Establish clear performance targets and conduct regular reviews of the team’s progress against objectives.
• Prepare and manage the operations budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while maintaining operational excellence.
• Monitor and control operational costs, identifying areas for cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
• Ensure financial and operational performance targets are met, including production volumes, cost per tonne, and revenue generation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior leadership, regulators, and key stakeholders related to operations.
• Provide regular updates and performance reports to the executive team, highlighting key issues, risks, and successes.
• Liaise with community stakeholders, maintaining a positive relationship with local communities, ensuring transparency and engagement.
Lead a team of 6 direct reports

• Manager technical services
• Manager processing
• Manager operational readiness
• Manager engineering and maintenance
• Manager integrated planning
• Manager supply and warehousing
Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, metallurgical engineering, geology, or a related field.
• Australian driver’s licence.
• A master’s degree or relevant post-graduate qualification is desirable.
Experience

• 20 years’ experience in mining/minerals processing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in developing and leading operations at a greenfield or startup mine and/or processing plant.
• Expertise in copper-gold mining operations, including mining, metallurgy, and processing plant management.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, health, safety, environmental standards, and industry best practices.
Skills and competencies

• Exceptional leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a challenging environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make sound decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and cost-control measures.
• Advanced problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of mining technologies, equipment, and processing techniques.
Why join Rex Minerals?

At Rex Minerals, we strive to create a workplace that values collaboration, leadership, and innovation. Our team is built on a high-performance culture, where continuous learning, operational excellence, and professional growth are prioritised.
We are committed to building a strong, capable workforce that drives efficiency and productivity while maintaining a positive and engaged company culture. Whether you’re leading a major operation or working closely with cross-functional teams, we encourage ownership, strategic thinking, and innovation at all levels.
This is an opportunity to step into a senior leadership role at a world-class mining project, where your expertise and leadership will shape the future of operations at Hillside.
This role is based at Hillside, and successful candidates must reside within 35km of the site. Relocation assistance is available. Some travel to Adelaide may be required for business meetings, stakeholder engagement, or training purposes.