Company Overview

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.

Role Summary

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.

Location

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

Flexible working arrangements are available

How to Apply

Provide a cover letter and CV to Mark Cooksey ([email protected]), Managing Director, by Thursday 9 October, 11pm

Duties

1. Site Daily Operations

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

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.

Oversee site logistics, including incoming deliveries, outbound pickups, internal transfers, forklift operation, and movement of materials between process plant, laboratory, and storage areas.

Manage spare parts and critical inventory

Lead or support small site projects, such as facility modifications, equipment installations, and minor civil or structural upgrades

Coordinate daily planning and task execution with the Principal Engineer.

2. Plant Operation and Trial Support

Manage operators and technicians (employees and contractors)

Ensure mechanical readiness for plant operations, including system checks, functional testing, and adjustments

Provide on-call/on-site support during trial campaigns, troubleshooting process or equipment issues and performing hands-on repairs as needed

Apply practical mechanical knowledge and experience in equipment installation, configuration, commissioning, and fine-tuning for reliability and performance

Support pre- and post-run activities: inspection, flushing, cleaning, servicing, and mechanical restoration

Manage routine preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication, calibration, inspections, and condition monitoring

Contribute practical insights into equipment selection, system design improvements, and maintenance planning

Pre-Requisites

Australian citizen or Permanent Resident

Licenced to operate forklifts, workshop tools and overhead cranes

Selection Criteria

Essential

Significant relevant experience (e.g. 8+ years) in leading plant operations, maintenance, and/or engineering within chemical, process, and/or industrial facilities

Hands-on experience in equipment and piping installation, repair and troubleshooting, with strong knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and routine inspections

Able to create a safe work environment in a hazardous chemical environment

Able to commits significant resources in the face of uncertainty and take calculated risks to improve performance and achieve challenging goals

Able to creates and foster an environment in which there is a high level of cooperation, including staff, contractors and suppliers and customers

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

Able to investigate complex and ill-defined problems, and develop appropriate responses by testing alternative solutions

Able to identify critical stakeholders and influence them to gain support for sometimes contentious proposals or ideas

Desirable

Passion for innovation and process development

Experience working in hazardous chemical environments, especially with HF, H2SO4, or corrosive and toxic substances

Exposure to pilot plants or research-scale facilities, including support for plant trials and experimental operations

Knowledge of relevant safety management systems (e.g., lockout / tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work systems, Take 5, JSA, mechanical isolation SOPs).