is now recruiting for
Operations Manager - Australia
Applications close midnight, Thursday 27th August 2026
Overview
About Phibion Pty Ltd
Phibion is an Australian environmental technology company specialising in safer, more sustainable mine tailings management. Headquartered in Lytton, Queensland, Phibion works with mining operations globally to address one of the industry’s most critical environmental and operational challenges.
Working at Phibion means being part of a technically sophisticated, globally connected business that is addressing real-world challenges in mining sustainability, supported by a long-term, sector-focused investor.
What we do
Phibion delivers tailings dewatering and consolidation solutions that improve safety, reduce environmental risk, and lower long-term operating and closure costs for mine sites.
Our work focuses on transforming how tailings are managed, stored, and rehabilitated.
Our technology and services
Phibion’s offering combines proprietary technology with specialist on-site services, including:
Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation (AMC): A proprietary process that dewaters and compacts tailings in situ, increasing density and strength while improving water recovery.
MudMaster® technology: A patented amphibious machine, including autonomous variants, designed to operate directly on tailings facilities to safely consolidate material and support progressive rehabilitation.
Dewatering services and analytics: Solutions that reduce reliance on traditional dewatering methods, helping sites minimise environmental footprint and optimise water use.
Why our work matters
Tailings safety and sustainability are under increasing global scrutiny. Phibion’s solutions help mining companies:
Reduce tailings-related environmental and safety risk
Improve water recovery and efficiency
Lower operational and closure costs
Meet evolving regulatory, ESG, and community expectations
Our track record
Recognised with industry awards for environmental and export innovation
Active projects and operations across multiple global regions
Backed by Resource Capital Funds as part of its mining innovation strategy
Ownership and support
Phibion is majority owned (80%) by Resource Capital Funds, reflecting strong confidence in Phibion’s technology, people, and long-term growth potential. This partnership provides Phibion with strategic backing while allowing the business to retain its entrepreneurial, innovation-driven culture.
About Resource Capital Funds (RCF)
Who they are
Resource Capital Funds (RCF) is a specialist global private equity firm focused exclusively on the mining and natural resources sector. Founded in 1998, RCF is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with regional offices in major mining hubs worldwide.
What they do
RCF provides long-term growth and development capital to mining and mining-related businesses across the full asset lifecycle, from early exploration through to operating mines and mining services. Their approach combines financial backing with deep technical and operational expertise.
How they create value
RCF is known for being an active, hands-on investor. In addition to capital, they work closely with portfolio companies to support strategic decision-making, technical development, and operational execution.
Key elements of their approach include:
Mining-focused private equity investment across a broad range of commodities
Global reach, with investments in more than 50 countries
In-house technical expertise spanning geology, engineering, and mining operations
Support for innovation, technology, and sustainability in mining practices
A long-term investment horizon aligned to the realities of mining development cycles
Scale and track record
More than 25 years of dedicated mining investment experience
Hundreds of investments across the global mining value chain
Active across both traditional mining assets and emerging mining technologies
Why this matters
RCF’s long-term, sector-specific focus provides stability, depth of expertise, and patient capital, creating an environment where portfolio companies can invest in people, technology, and sustainable growth.
Key Info
157
Total Staff
25
Staff in Head Office
$32m
Total Assets
Export Finance Australia
Main Financier
$28m
2025 Revenue
More than $42m
2026 Revenue Budget
$65m
2027 Estimated Revenue
$1m
Cost of Each Machine
About the Role
Operations Manager - Australia
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and optimising all operational activities across assigned mining sites to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable service delivery. The role provides leadership to site-based teams, ensuring operational performance aligns with client expectations, company standards, and strategic business objectives.
Reporting to the General Manager, Global Operations, the Operations Manager is accountable for workforce management, operational execution, safety performance, client engagement, contract compliance, and financial outcomes across multiple mining operations.
The role plays a critical part in fostering a high-performance culture that prioritises safety, operational excellence, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead and oversee daily operations across multiple client mine sites.
Ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contractual requirements.
Monitor operational performance against established KPIs and service level agreements.
Develop and implement operational plans aligned with company objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Ensure adequate resources, personnel, equipment, and materials are available to meet operational requirements.
Drive operational consistency and adherence to company policies and procedures.
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Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 20 direct reports and 15 indirect reports.
Build a positive safety and performance culture across all operations.
Ensure all employees understand expectations, responsibilities, and performance standards.
Conduct regular performance reviews and development discussions.
Manage workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development activities.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives.
Address performance issues promptly and professionally.
Promote employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
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Champion a safety-first culture across all operations.
Ensure compliance with all mining regulations, client standards, and company HSEQ requirements.
Monitor and report on safety performance indicators.
Participate in incident investigations and corrective action planning.
Verify critical controls, risk management processes, and safe work practices are effectively implemented.
Conduct regular site visits, inspections, audits, and leadership safety interactions.
Support continuous improvement in health, safety, environmental, and quality performance.
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Develop and maintain strong relationships with client representatives and key stakeholders.
Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned client accounts.
Ensure client expectations are understood and consistently exceeded where possible.
Manage client communications regarding operational performance, workforce capacity, and service delivery.
Participate in operational review meetings and performance discussions.
Identify opportunities for contract growth and additional service offerings.
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Manage operational budgets and financial performance across assigned sites.
Monitor labour, equipment, and operational costs to ensure profitability targets are achieved.
Review and approve operational expenditure in accordance with delegated authority.
Support forecasting, budgeting, and business planning processes.
Identify and implement cost optimisation initiatives without compromising safety or service delivery.
Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with commercial obligations.
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Ensure all employees maintain required competencies, qualifications, certifications, and site-specific requirements.
Work closely with the Training and Competency Manager to support workforce capability development.
Ensure employees complete required onboarding, VOCs, and site inductions prior to mobilisation.
Maintain compliance with workforce management and industrial relations obligations.
Support career development and training opportunities for operational teams.
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Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Analyse operational performance data and implement improvement initiatives.
Lead root cause investigations and corrective action programs where required.
Share best practices across operational sites and regions.
Support implementation of new technologies, systems, and operational processes.
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Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior leadership.
Monitor and report on key operational, safety, financial, and workforce metrics.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of operational issues, incidents, and business risks.
Maintain compliance with company governance standards and client reporting requirements.
Participate in strategic planning and business improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
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Relevant trade qualification, diploma, or degree in Mining, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related discipline.
Current driver's licence.
Relevant mine site competencies and certifications.
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Degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or Mining.
Leadership or management qualification.
Project Management qualification.
ICAM, TapRoot, or equivalent investigation training.
Key Performance Indicators:
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Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) and Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) targets achieved.
Completion of site inspections, audits, and safety interactions.
Compliance with client and regulatory requirements.
Closure of corrective actions within agreed timeframes.
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Achievement of contractual service delivery requirements.
Productivity and utilisation targets met or exceeded.
Minimal operational disruptions and unplanned downtime.
Delivery of operational improvement initiatives.
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Achievement of site and operational budget targets.
Labour and operating costs managed within approved budgets.
Contract profitability targets achieved.
Identification and delivery of cost-saving opportunities.
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Employee engagement and retention targets achieved.
Performance review completion rates.
Reduced turnover and absenteeism.
Development and succession planning outcomes.
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Positive client feedback and relationship outcomes.
Retention and growth of client contracts.
Achievement of client service level agreements (SLAs).
Experience
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Minimum 8-10 years' experience in mining, mining services, heavy industry, or related operational environments.
Demonstrated experience leading large operational teams across multiple sites.
Experience managing client relationships within mining operations.
Experience managing operational budgets and commercial performance.
Proven track record in safety leadership and operational improvement.
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Experience in global or multinational operations.
Experience managing remote workforces.
Experience managing multiple mining contracts simultaneously.
How to Apply
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement below.
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.
Applications close midnight, Thursday 27th August 2026
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Confidential Enquiries
KERRY LARKIN
Senior Associate
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