Manager Operational Capability

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) seeks an experienced executive to lead Operational Capability, reporting to the CEO. You will steer operations and maintenance of a major export terminal, shaping strategy and culture while driving reliability, safety and performance.

You will build credibility, unite teams across 24/7 operations, and partner with the ELT to deliver outcomes for customers and shareholders. This is a high-visibility, impact-driven leadership role in Newcastle.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale operations and maintenance across mining/ports or heavy industry.
• Ability to build trust, develop teams and align diverse stakeholders.
• Strong financial accountability and budget management.
• Visible, authentic leadership style with values-led approach.
• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, business or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, reliable operation and maintenance of the terminal.
• Build a high-performing workforce across operations and maintenance.
• Partner with the CEO and ELT to deliver strategy and performance.
• Drive operational performance, throughput and customer outcomes.
• Provide leadership in a 24/7 operating environment with a strong safety culture.
• Manage infrastructure assets and maintenance budgets.
• Foster a one-team culture and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Executive leadership

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Operational excellence

Education

Engineering degree

Business degree

Operations management qualification

Job description

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) operates one of Australia’s leading coal export terminals and plays a critical role in supporting the Hunter Valley coal supply chain. Through a commitment to safety, operational excellence, innovation and collaboration, NCIG provides world‑class infrastructure and services to its customers while maintaining a strong focus on reliability, sustainability and long‑term performance.

NCIG is entering an exciting phase of sustained performance and strategic momentum. The business has recently delivered record operational outcomes, achieved key safety, ESG and throughput targets, and refreshed its vision for the future. Supported by a highly capable, collaborative and united Executive Leadership Team, NCIG is seeking an executive leader who can build on this foundation while continuing to enhance organisational capability, engagement and performance.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Manager Operational Capability is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and a trusted adviser to the business. You will lead the operations and maintenance of one of Australia’s most significant export infrastructure assets while helping shape the future direction of NCIG.

First and foremost, this is a people leadership role. Success will come through your ability to build credibility, bring people together and foster a high‑performing culture across operations and maintenance. You will lead through influence, visibility and trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the safe, reliable and efficient operation and maintenance of the terminal
• Building a highly engaged, accountable and capable workforce across operations and maintenance
• Partner with the CEO and ELT to deliver strategy, culture and business performance
• Drive operational performance, reliability, throughput and customer outcomes
• Provide visible leadership across a complex 24/7 operating environment and champion a strong safety culture
• Manage significant infrastructure assets, operational budgets and maintenance performance
• Forster a strong one team culture and drive continuous improvement across the business

About You

You are an experienced executive leader who thrives on bringing out the best in people. You combine strong operational leadership with the ability to build trust, develop teams and create alignment across a complex organisation.

You are a visible, authentic and values‑led leader who creates high‑performing cultures and brings people with you. Comfortable contributing at ELT level, you build credibility quickly and influence effectively across a broad range of stakeholders.

• Executive leadership experience within mining, ports, infrastructure, energy, heavy industry or related sectors
• Demonstrated success leading operational, maintenance, asset management or integrated business functions
• Exceptional people leadership capability, with a natural ability to engage, motivate and develop high performing teams
• A visible, authentic and values led leadership style that inspires trust, accountability and performance
• Strong commercial acumen, financial accountability and experience managing significant operational or maintenance budgets
• Proven ability to build credibility and influence both internally and externally
• A collaborative leadership style combined with sound judgement, independent thinking and the ability to bring people together
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, business, operations or a related discipline

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia’s most critical infrastructure businesses. You will influence business strategy, operational performance and organisational culture while working alongside a respected and highly capable Executive Leadership Team.

For executives seeking a career-defining opportunity that combines operational scale, strategic influence, executive leadership and the lifestyle benefits of Newcastle, this role provides a unique platform to make a lasting impact on one of Australia’s most important export supply chain operations.