Upstream Manager

Iluka Resources; Eneabba; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Iluka Resources is establishing Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba, WA. The role reports to the Operations Manager and leads the upstream CLP plant during commissioning, ramp-up and ongoing operations, building a high-performing team and embedding strong governance and safety practices.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering and technical teams to optimise throughput, safety and reliability, while driving continuous improvement and cost

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading production teams within a refinery, chemical processing or similar heavy industry environment.
• Strong commissioning and operational ramp-up experience.
• Experience implementing operational systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment, development and performance of supervisors and operators.
• Drive safety culture and ensure safe commissioning, start-up and operational practices.
• Lead upstream production through commissioning, ramp-up and ongoing operations.
• Establish governance systems, processes and performance frameworks.
• Collaborate across operations, maintenance, engineering and technical teams to solve problems and improve performance.
• Support continuous improvement, debottlenecking and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Participate in employee engagement and industrial relations outcomes.
• Oversee daily warehouse operations: receipt, storage and dispatch of materials.

Skills

People leadership

Commissioning

Ramp-up management

Safety culture

Job description

• Join Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery
• **Site-based at Eneabba, Western Australia**
• **DIDO, BIBO or residential depending on location**

Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of critical minerals, zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. In partnership with the Australian Government, Iluka is developing Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba in Western Australia’s Mid West. The refinery will produce both light and heavy separated rare earth oxides, supporting diversified global supply chains for minerals essential to defence, renewable energy, electric vehicles, robotics and advanced technologies.

About the role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this is a rare opportunity to lead the upstream production function at one of Australia’s most significant new processing operations. You’ll play a pivotal role in commissioning, ramping up and optimising the Cracking, Leaching and Purification (CLP) plant, while building a high-performing team and establishing the systems, culture and operational discipline that will underpin the long-term success of the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the recruitment, development and performance of supervisors and operators
• Driving a strong safety culture and ensuring safe commissioning, start‑up and operational practices
• Leading upstream production through commissioning, ramp-up and ongoing operations
• Establishing practical operational governance systems, processes and performance frameworks
• Working across operations, maintenance, engineering and technical teams to solve problems and improve performance
• Supporting continuous improvement, debottlenecking initiatives and cost reduction opportunities
• Playing an active role in employee engagement and positive industrial relations outcomes
• Lead daily warehouse operations, including the receipt, storage and dispatch of materials

About you

You are an experienced processing or refinery leader with a proven track record of leading large operational teams in complex processing environments. You bring strong people leadership skills, resilience and the ability to keep teams focused and engaged during periods of change and growth.

• Significant experience leading production teams within a refinery, chemical processing or similar heavy industry environment
• Strong commissioning and operational ramp‑up experience
• A demonstrated ability to build high‑performing teams and develop leaders
• Experience implementing operational systems, governance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and problem‑solving skill
• A strong commitment to safety and operational excellence

What we offer

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

Applications close: 30 October 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”