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: