Area Manager - Aluminium Smelter

Alcoa Australia; Portland; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Alcoa Australia’s Portland Smelter seeks an Area Manager to lead a large operational workforce in a 24/7 environment, driving safety, performance and continuous improvement. The role focuses on accountability, coaching and delivering cost‑effective operations.

You will develop leadership talent, manage performance, and ensure production KPIs are met while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the site and with partners.

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership experience in aluminium smelting, electrolysis/potrooms or comparable continuous process operations.
• Experience leading large operational teams in a complex, high-risk environment.
• Strong safety leadership record with practical risk management capabilities.
• Proven success improving production performance, productivity, cost and KPIs.
• Experience leading teams through change, operational improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and people leadership capability.
• A tertiary qualification in Engineering; metallurgy or related technical qualification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, reliable and cost‑effective operations through visible leadership and a culture of accountability.
• Build leadership capability and develop a high‑performing workforce through coaching and succession planning.
• Deliver production, productivity, quality and cost outcomes in line with annual plans.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying and implementing improvements.
• Build trusted relationships across site leadership, technical functions and joint venture stakeholders.

Skills

Operational leadership

Safety leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Metallurgy preferred

Job description

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

As a leader within Alcoa, you can help fulfil our purpose and realise our vision to build a legacy of excellence for future generations. Be part of the team that is helping shape a better workplace with the flexibility and equal opportunities that help everyone thrive. You have the power to shape things and individuals to make them better.

About The Role

Are you a leader who thrives in complex operational environments and enjoys developing people, driving improvement and delivering results at scale? As an Area Manager, you will lead a significant operational workforce within one of Australia's largest aluminium smelters, influencing safety, performance and continuous improvement across a 24/7 operation.

Core responsibilities:

• Lead safe, reliable and cost-effective operations through visible leadership, strong risk management and a culture of accountability.
• Build leadership capability and develop a high-performing workforce through coaching, succession planning and effective performance management.
• Deliver production, productivity, quality and cost outcomes in line with annual business plans.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying and implementing improvements that enhance performance and business value.
• Build trusted relationships across site leadership, technical functions and joint venture stakeholders.

What’s On Offer

• Relocation assistance to support a move to Portland.
• Career pathways spanning operations, projects and leadership
• Join a community-connected employer in coastal Portland
• Rewarding performance through recognition and variable pay
• A values-led workplace with Care for People at its heart.

What You Can Bring To The Role

• Proven operational leadership experience in aluminium smelting, electrolysis/potrooms or comparable continuous process operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading large operational teams in a complex, high-risk environment.
• A strong safety leadership record, supported by practical risk management capability.
• Proven success improving production performance, productivity, cost and operational KPIs.
• Experience leading teams through change, operational improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, coaching and people leadership capability.
• A tertiary qualification in Engineering; metallurgy or related technical qualification is preferred.

Additional Information

• Interviews may progress prior to the closing date, although all applications will be considered.
• You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview, this process can take up to four weeks from the closing date.

Be part of shaping our organisation and join us in building a legacy of excellence for future generations.

#AlcoaAUS

About the Location

Our Portland Smelter is a joint venture between Alcoa of Australia (55%), CITIC (22.5%) and Marubeni Aluminium Australia (22.5%). Alcoa manages the day-to-day operations at the smelter and we produce approximately 19 per cent of Australia’s total aluminium production in Portland. We are proud of the long-standing relationships we have within our local community and are committed to supporting social and diverse causes.

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.