Operations Manager

• Senior operational leadership opportunity in the Latrobe Valley
• Salary of $185,000-$220,000, depending on experience
• Lead plant performance as the business progresses towards commercial operation

About the opportunity

Best Match Recruitment is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of this business in the Latrobe Valley.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will oversee site personnel, safety, environment, maintenance and production. This is a hands-on process plant management role, offering the opportunity to improve operational performance, develop your team and contribute to the business’s progression towards a full commercial operation in the region.

The role centres on managing a process plant and does not require registered mine manager credentials.

About the role

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading a positive safety culture and ensuring safe working practices across the site.
• Managing daily plant operations, allocating resources and setting work priorities.
• Leading, supporting and motivating site personnel to achieve operational objectives.
• Taking accountability for health, safety, environmental, maintenance and production performance.
• Developing and monitoring production strategies, plans and procedures.
• Reviewing production output and costs to improve efficiency and plant performance.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Maintaining accurate production and safety reports, records and procedures.
• Leading investigations, resolving operational issues and implementing improvements.
• Building effective relationships with regulators, contractors, stakeholders and the local community.

About you

You will be a practical, confident leader with sound knowledge of process plant operations and the ability to bring people together to achieve results. You will combine strong operational judgement with a proactive approach to safety, problem solving and continuous improvement.To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Strong operational management and people leadership skills.
• Sound knowledge of plant operations and production processes.
• An understanding of relevant workplace safety and employment requirements.
• Experience managing change, developing processes and resolving operational challenges.
• Strong organisational, time management and communication skills.
• The ability to build productive relationships with employees and external stakeholders.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence.
• A Level 1 or 2 First Aid Certificate, or a willingness to obtain one.

Qualifications in a related field and mining industry experience will be highly regarded but are not essential. Relevant process plant management experience from other industries is welcomed. The successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol screening.

What’s on offer

• A salary range of $185,000–$220,000, depending on experience, with flexibility to discuss remuneration for an exceptional candidate.
• An opportunity to help shape plant operations, team capability and site performance.
• Scope for the role to evolve as the business transitions towards full commercial operations.
• IT equipment required to perform the role.

Additional benefits, including a bonus scheme and novated leasing arrangements, are under review and may be discussed during the recruitment process.

Location and working arrangements

The position requires working Monday to Friday, typically eight hours per day. Operational requirements may occasionally involve longer days or attendance outside normal hours, including weekends. Occasional travel to the Melbourne office will also be required.

You will need to be based within a practical commuting distance of The Latrobe Valley or be willing to relocate to the region.

How to apply

Please submit your current resume and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the position via the Best Match Recruitment website, quoting job reference 1260199.

For a confidential discussion, or a copy of the job description please contact Rob Darby on 03 5622 0986 or email rob@bestmatch.com.au

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 16th November 2026.