Site Operations Manager

This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic company developing a novel technology that is capturing interest from the global fluorine industry.

ABx, through its 83%-owned subsidiary, Alcore, has developed a world-first process to produce industrial chemicals from a waste material from aluminium smelting.

Alcore is establishing a technical centre in Bell Bay, Tasmania, where it is constructing a pilot plant. It is planned that the first commercial plant will also be in Bell Bay.

The Site Operations Manager leads day-to-day site operations, including oversight of utilities, logistics, maintenance, and contractor management. You will work closely with the technical team to ensure safe, efficient and responsive site and plant operations.

Alcore Technical Centre, East Tamar Highway, Bell Bay TAS 7253

Flexible working arrangements are available

Provide a cover letter and CV to Mark Cooksey ), Managing Director, by Thursday 9 October, 11pm

1. Site Daily Operations

2. Maintain the overall site functionality, cleanliness, and readiness, including managing all operators and technicians (employees and contractors).

3. Coordinate and implement site maintenance schedule, covering utilities (air compressors, cooling tower, demineralised water system, waste units), infrastructure (water, gas, and power), safety systems, and fixed equipment.
4. Oversee site logistics, including incoming deliveries, outbound pickups, internal transfers, forklift operation, and movement of materials between process plant, laboratory, and storage areas.
5. Manage spare parts and critical inventory
6. Lead or support small site projects, such as facility modifications, equipment installations, and minor civil or structural upgrades

7. Coordinate daily planning and task execution with the Principal Engineer.

8. Plant Operation and Trial Support

9. Manage operators and technicians (employees and contractors)

10. Ensure mechanical readiness for plant operations, including system checks, functional testing, and adjustments
11. Provide on-call/on-site support during trial campaigns, troubleshooting process or equipment issues and performing hands-on repairs as needed
12. Apply practical mechanical knowledge and experience in equipment installation, configuration, commissioning, and fine-tuning for reliability and performance
13. Support pre- and post-run activities: inspection, flushing, cleaning, servicing, and mechanical restoration
14. Manage routine preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication, calibration, inspections, and condition monitoring
15. Contribute practical insights into equipment selection, system design improvements, and maintenance planning

• Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
• Licenced to operate forklifts, workshop tools and overhead cranes

Essential

1. Significant relevant experience (e.g. 8+ years) in leading plant operations, maintenance, and/or engineering within chemical, process, and/or industrial facilities
2. Hands-on experience in equipment and piping installation, repair and troubleshooting, with strong knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and routine inspections
3. Able to create a safe work environment in a hazardous chemical environment
4. Able to commits significant resources in the face of uncertainty and take calculated risks to improve performance and achieve challenging goals
5. Able to creates and foster an environment in which there is a high level of cooperation, including staff, contractors and suppliers and customers
6. Able to adapt to and take advantage of the dynamic operating environment of a start-up company conducting process development by adjusting strategies, goals and priorities
7. Able to investigate complex and ill-defined problems, and develop appropriate responses by testing alternative solutions
8. Able to identify critical stakeholders and influence them to gain support for sometimes contentious proposals or ideas

Desirable

1. Passion for innovation and process development
2. Experience working in hazardous chemical environments, especially with HF, H2SO4, or corrosive and toxic substances
3. Exposure to pilot plants or research-scale facilities, including support for plant trials and experimental operations
4. Knowledge of relevant safety management systems (e.g., lockout / tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work systems, Take 5, JSA, mechanical isolation SOPs).