Are you a senior engineering leader in mining or mineral processing looking for a role where you can combine technical depth, operational leadership, and real-world impact?
We are representing a global engineering organisation seeking a Technical Centre Manager to lead a large-scale mineral processing test facility delivering high-value outcomes to mining operations across Australia and globally.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role, where your work directly influences process design, equipment performance, and customer outcomes across multiple operations.
The Opportunity:
You will take full ownership of a complex, high-performing technical facility, leading both the operational performance and development of a multidisciplinary workforce.
This role offers the opportunity to lead a significant engineering and testwork function, working closely with internal specialists, global teams, and customers to deliver practical, real-world solutions.
What We’re Looking For:
We are seeking a candidate who combines deep technical expertise with proven leadership capability, with the credibility to lead from the front in a hands-on environment.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Leading and developing engineers, metallurgists, and technicians
- Planning, executing, and delivering mineral processing testwork programs
- Translating technical data into practical process and engineering outcomes
- Driving performance across safety, utilisation, cost, and delivery
- Managing facility operations including scheduling, resourcing, and quality
- Collaborating with customers, stakeholders, and global teams
- Supporting innovation, product development, and process improvement initiatives
- Degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering
- Strong background in slurry systems, tailings, and mineral processing equipment
- Experience with pumps, cyclones, thickeners, filtration, and dewatering systems
- Proven experience managing technical or engineering teams
- Exposure to testwork, pilot plants, or laboratory environments
- Strong engagement skills with stakeholders and customers
- Experience in mining equipment or OEM environments
- Background in mineral processing operations
- Experience within test facilities, R&D environments, or pilot plants
- Global or matrix organisation exposure
- Postgraduate qualifications (Masters or PhD)
You will bring:
- A resilient mindset, with the ability to navigate complex technical and operational challenges
- Strong technical understanding and credibility, enabling you to lead from the front
- An assertive leadership style, with the ability to drive accountability and performance
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams
- Excellent communication skills across both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- A people-focused, approachable leadership style, able to build trust and cohesion across teams
- The ability to foster a collaborative, high-performance culture
- Lead a major technical centre with full operational responsibility
- Work on globally impactful mineral processing solutions
- Collaborate with international teams and customers
- Play a key role in driving innovation and engineering excellence
- Long-term opportunity with genuine leadership impact and growth potential
- This is a fully on-site role (5 days per week) based the South East of Melbourne
- The position requires hands-on leadership within a technical environment
This role is ideal for Engineering Managers, Technical Managers, or Metallurgical Managers from mineral processing or mining-related environments looking to step into a broader leadership role with greater scope, visibility, and impact.
Next Steps:
We are conducting a targeted search for high-calibre candidates. Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.
