Mechanical Leading Hand

About us

The world is going electric, and PLS is at the forefront of the charge.

Our collaborative, inclusive culture is a cornerstone of PLS. Humble, down-to-earth and genuinely invested in each other, we are one team united by a common purpose and driven to do great work together.

Being such a fast-moving company in clean energy transition means there is no shortage of challenge or opportunity. Whether it is taking on new projects, developing new skills or stepping into bigger roles, PLS is a place where careers move and where your potential has room to grow.

We're not a big corporate, and we don't want to be. At PLS you own your work, you're backed by people who care about doing a good job, and there's room to innovate and make things happen.

Positioned to be a major force for change, this is a great time to join us as we play a critical role in addressing the global energy crisis. If you want to be part of an organisation that is all about great people shaping the next era of battery minerals, we would love to hear from you.

The future is lithium, make it yours.

What PLS offers

• Annual or quarterly short-term incentive bonus recognising individual and business performance
• PLS employee share scheme
• Access to newly refurbished facilities at Pilgangoora, including gym, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, sports oval and scenic walking tracks
• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Paid community leave
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and Company Chaplains

The opportunity

Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, this role will have expertise in Mechanical Fixed Plant Maintenance and assists Maintenance Supervisors in an area of trade expertise with allocation and monitoring of daily activities of Technicians. The role also involves coordinating trade teams and is responsible for work scheduling, implementing, and initiating work activities, that are passed on from the Supervisors or Superintendents.

This is a permanent full-time role which operates on an 8:6, 7:7 FIFO roster from Perth or DIDO in the Pilbara region.

Key responsibilities

• Leads and coaches a team in demonstrating understanding of PLS safety and environmental policies and maintains an understanding of the main principles.
• Directs a work crew to cease any unsafe work tasks.
• Reports any situation, event or incident that has affected or has the potential to harm the environment to management, the Senior OHS Advisor or the Resident Manager.
• Support procedures and work practices aimed at preventing accidents or injuries.
• Regularly audit team’s work environment and promote a high level of safety awareness.
• Actively participating in safety meetings and follow-up or feedback on issues raised are undertaken in an effective manner.
• Identify workplace hazards and taking appropriate corrective actions
• Effectively communicate with people while interacting with them by:
  • Provide clear feedback to Maintenance Supervisors regarding job allocation, job details, work methods timeframes and allow for adequate feedback.
  • Ensure feedback is written on work orders and work instruction documents to assist in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Raise concerns immediately, when warranted, to supervisors or Maintenance & Engineering Manager in an open environment.
• Understand and implement quality control techniques.
• Work under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of administration / training abilities and leadership qualities.
• Understand and implement the QSE policies, procedures, and standards.
• Multitask, be on the tools while leading and assisting workflow coordination of a team.
• Coordinate tradespersons and maintenance activities to achieve the maintenance plan.
• Resolve work scheduling issues related to work priorities, time, trade allocation, equipment, or parts.
• Lead and supervise some activities that require next level trade guidance or on the job training to support the maintenance team.
• Direct work crew independently.
• Take direction and provide advice or recommendations to the Supervisor or Superintendent on current work activities, trends, emerging issues or safety concerns to address improvement or plant maintenance optimisation or reliability.
• Troubleshoot and report on failures when required, including gathering of failure evidence for later analysis.
• Provide positive mentoring and be a role model to team members advocating safe and efficient work practices and compliance to standards.
• Participate in special projects whenever required.
• Delivery of weekly work management plan

About you

• Current WA C class drivers’ licence.
• Relevant Certificate III or IV Trade Certificate
• Post trade qualifications, certification or trade experience that can be recognised as next level to the trade skills within the team being led.
• High Risk Forklift.
• Confined Space.
• Safe Working at Heights.
• Fixed Plant maintenance experience in a mining processing plant environment (minimum expectation of 3-5years).
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work well in a team in remote areas.
• Strong commitment towards safety and quality.
• Motivated and hard working with a professional attitude.

Supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce

PLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that values, respects and supports diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and the future we’re building. We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, included and able to contribute their best. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, all ages, and people of all genders and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+).

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application process or inform our Careers team if you are contacted for an interview.

Our recruitment process

As part of our recruitment process, a number of checks will be conducted, including police / criminal background checks, medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence, right to work checks and reference checks.

We respectfully request agencies not to submit unsolicited resumes.

Acknowledgement of Country

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal and Kariyarra People of the Pilbara, the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples of these lands.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their continuing connection and care for the land, water and Country.

If you would like to learn more about PLS or register for future opportunities, please visit www.pls.com.