Engineering Manager – Mineral Processing & Test work

Overview:

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

Preferred Experience:

• 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)

The Profile:

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

Why This Role?:

• 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

Important Considerations:

• 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

Who This Role Suits:

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.