Director of Site Operations

Join to apply for the Director of Site Operations role at Samsara Eco.

Samsara Eco has one clear mission: to repair our planet through infinite plastic recycling. Yes, it's a mighty mission but it's something every single one of us here at Samsara Eco is determined to achieve. And it's what motivates us to dedicate our time and energy to every single day.

Our technology is like our team. One of a kind. While we are creating technology to repair our planet, we're also building a great place to grow careers — a place where everyone can do the best work of their life, making meaningful impact on our planet and ourselves.

We're a climate tech innovator repairing our planet through infinite recycling. We're taking the 10 billion tonnes of plastics and textiles wasting away in landfill and our environment, and recycling it, infinitely to create a truly circular loop for packaging, clothing, airbags and everything in between.

It means brands can make the products we all know and love without the environmental damage. Because by using what we already have, we can end the world's reliance on dirty fossil fuels to slow climate change and ensure we have a liveable planet for future generations.

This role is based in Jerrabomberra, on the border of NSW/ACT approx. 30 mins from Canberra CBD.

Role Purpose

This critical role oversees all on-the-ground Jerrabomberra operations, including Technology Operations (Production), WHS, Quality, and Site Shared Services, and will be instrumental in building a high-performance culture that balances safety, performance, and innovation.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and has a track record of establishing operational excellence in a first-of-a-kind or scale-up manufacturing environment.

Technology Operations & Production

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the site, ensuring production targets, plant availability, and quality standards are met or exceeded.
• Oversee the transition from commissioning/start-up into stable commercial operations, including developing site-based SOPs, shift structures, and plant management routines.
• Collaborate closely with Process Technology, Chemistry and Technology Operations to ensure process technology is reliably translated into commercial operation.

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Establish and continuously improve operational systems, policies, and processes to support effective site performance.
• Build and lead the site operations team, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage site budgets, KPIs, and reporting processes.

Quality, WHS & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with environmental, health and safety, and quality regulations and company policies.
• Champion a strong WHS and process safety culture across the site.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of ISO, GMP, or other relevant quality management systems.

Shared Services & Site Enablement

• Manage site-wide services such as facilities, logistics, IT support, and administration to ensure operational continuity.
• Act as the key liaison with internal departments (People & Culture, Finance, Legal, Commercial) to ensure local alignment with broader company systems.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on site performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Act as the senior representative of the site in interactions with government agencies, regulators, partners, and community stakeholders.

Must Have

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related field; postgraduate business or leadership qualifications desirable.
• 10+ years of experience in operational leadership roles within manufacturing, biotech, chemicals, or industrial technology environments.
• Demonstrated success leading operations in start-up, first of a kind, or scale-up facilities.
• Strong working knowledge of production systems, WHS, and quality compliance frameworks.
• Proven leadership skills and experience building high-performing, multidisciplinary site teams.

Nice To Have

• Experience in polymer, enzyme, or biochemical manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ISO, GMP, or equivalent quality frameworks.
• Experience managing commissioning and early operations of greenfield or brownfield sites.
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and circular economy impact.

Why Work with us

Purpose-Driven Innovation: Join a team at the forefront of tackling one of the world's most urgent environmental challenges. Your work will directly contribute to advancing solutions that repair the planet and restore global ecosystems.

Collaboration and Growth: We value diverse perspectives and collective action. At Samsara Eco, you'll collaborate with brilliant minds across science, technology, and business in an environment that fosters creativity, mutual respect, and continuous learning.

Empowerment and Ownership: We offer a flat, flexible structure where you can take ownership of projects and make meaningful decisions. We trust our team to lead, innovate, and drive change as we scale our solutions globally.

Work-Life Integration: We believe that happy, healthy employees do their best work. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements, competitive compensation, and benefits that prioritize your well-being and help you maintain balance between your personal and professional life.

A Future-Focused Culture: We encourage agility, innovation, and courage in everything we do. Join a team that values your unique strengths, challenges the status quo, and builds a lasting legacy of positive change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Samsara is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Samsara is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don't regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Does this sound like your dream job? If it does, join our mission and apply now

For more information check out our explainer video here.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Executive
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Climate Technology; Product Manufacturing

Location: Jerrabomberra, NSW/ACT border, near Canberra

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