Global Refractory Specialist

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper, world-shaper.

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of sustainability with world-changing innovations and low-carbon technologies. Become a valued part of the team that's shaping the future of aluminium, revolutionising the way the world lives, builds, moves and flies. Be part of it and shape your world.

About the Role

Our Asset Management team are seeking a visionary Global Refractory Specialist to lead the strategic development, deployment, and governance of refractory standards and performance across our global operations. This is a high-impact role that directly influences the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of over 140 refractory-lined assets spanning North America, Europe, South America, and Australia.

Reporting to our Global Major Works Manager, you will work in close partnership with operational stakeholders and our Centre of Excellence teams including Operational Excellence, EH&S, Planning & Performance, and Asset Management to ensure refractory strategies are aligned with business goals effectively balancing cost, risk, and performance.

Your key purpose and activities will be:

• Providing strategic and technical leadership in refractory systems across Calciners, Kilns, Cast Furnaces, and Anode Bake Furnaces.

• Develop, maintain, and govern global refractory standards and KPIs, continuously updating specifications, testing processes, and documentation to reflect technological advancements, lessons learned, and operational feedback

• Provide expert guidance on major refractory overhauls, including material selection, layout, and project execution, to enhance asset reliability, extend asset life, and reduce total cost of ownership.

• Drive quality and innovation by conducting supplier audits, facilitating refractory trials, and integrating emerging technologies and best practices into strategic roadmaps.

• Resolve refractory failures through root cause analysis and implement long-term reliability solutions, supporting continuous improvement and risk reduction across global operations

• Build global capability and foster collaboration by delivering training, leading best-practice forums, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders to share knowledge and align strategies.

What's on offer

• Attractive remuneration and variable bonus plan.

• Flexible hybrid working options available.

• Employee growth and development opportunities.

• Parental leave support for all caregivers.

• Paid employee volunteering hours within our community.

• One additional paid Alcoa Flexi Day.

• Alcoa Live Well program offering travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing discounts.

• Salary packaging for a novated car lease, employee share plan and superannuation options.

What you can bring to the role

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Materials Science, Project Management or Construction Management (preferred), complemented by trade certification in masonry or equivalent practical experience in refractory fundamentals, installation and maintenance.

• Extensive refractory expertise with hands-on or supervisory experience in one or more refractory systems commonly found in the aluminum and alumina industry (e.g., kilns, calciners, cast house furnaces or anode bake furnaces).

• Proven ability to develop and execute refractory strategies that enhance reliability, extend asset life, and reduce total cost of ownership, with deep knowledge of thermal performance, material selection, and failure modes.

• Skilled in supplier engagement, contractor management, and technical evaluation of refractory solutions. Strong background in auditing suppliers, implementing QA/QC processes, and facilitating trials to drive innovation and continuous improvement

• Highly capable in producing technical documentation including standards, inspection reports, trial evaluations, and engineering scopes, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Holds a valid WA driver's license and demonstrates a flexible approach to work, including willingness to work flexible hours to engage and connect with global teams and the ability to travel locally and internationally to support site teams and program delivery.

Additional information

• Interviews may progress prior to the closing date, although all applications will be considered.

• You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview, this process can take up to four weeks from the closing date.

Be part of shaping our organisation and join us in building a legacy of excellence for future generations.

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About the Location

Recognized as an industry pioneer, Alcoa has established itself as an international company with operations across six continents. Alcoa's Australian portfolio includes: two bauxite mines in Western Australia, three alumina refineries at Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup and one aluminium smelter in Portland VIC and two corporate office facilities in Bindjareb and Booragoon. Wherever you choose to join us, you'll be joining a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation.

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.    

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career  

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.