Manager Maintenance and Reliability (Mt Holland)

About Us

Covalent Lithium is a fully integrated lithium mining and refining operation in Western Australia. As a joint venture between Wesfarmers and SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile), we combine global lithium expertise with strong Australian operational capability across our Mt Holland Mine and Concentrator and Kwinana Refinery.

Following a successful ramp-up, Mt Holland is now running at full production- an achievement driven by the capability, commitment and collaboration of our people. With an approved expansion set to double spodumene concentrate production, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth and unlocking the full potential of our world-class Earl Grey lithium deposit.

Guided by our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration, we’re building a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace where people can make an impact and grow their careers. Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or bringing your experience to a growing business, Covalent offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in an operation spanning the entire lithium value chain- from mine to refinery.

We support, empower and reward our people with a range of benefits:

•    Competitive remuneration and annual incentive opportunities for eligible employees 
•    Access to discounts, recognition and rewards through our LiFT program 
•    Flexible work arrangements where suitable 
•    Dedicated wellbeing programs, Employee Assistance Program and discounted health insurance 
•    Equal access to paid parental leave, financial support for growing families & return-to-work support
•    Salary sacrifice options, including superannuation and novated leasing 
•    Discounted FIFO parking with Perth Airport

The Role

As a member of the site leadership team, the Manager Maintenance and Reliability is accountable for providing leadership and direction to the Maintenance delivery, Planning and Reliability teams to ensure plant uptime and performance meet business objectives including safe production targets.
The Manager is responsible for creating an environment for department members to succeed in delivering the maintenance functional outputs and operational services in a safe and efficient manner that is   consistent, predictable and sustainable.
This position plays a crucial role in implementing and delivering high standard asset management.

This is a permanent, full time position, on a 4/3, 4/3, 8/6 roster, ex FIFO from Perth to our Mt Holland mine site. 

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety, Environment and Community

•    Actively lead and participate in the establishment of a positive health and safety culture, leading by example, and setting the required health and safety standards. 
•    Set the example for the department in spending time in the field for safety interactions, task observations and critical control verifications.

•    Champion the continuous improvement in department safety performance

Technical/Functional/Role

•    Develop an asset management policy, framework, and strategy for the expected life of the operation to support the life of mine production strategy. 
•    Ensure the effective implementation of integrated business processes and systems for Fixed Plant, to identify, efficiently plan and schedule, safely execute, accurately monitoring, and continuously improve the maintenance functions. 
•    Responsible for the weekly, monthly and annual planning, scheduling, and coordination of the Fixed Plant maintenance activities to ensure maximum reliability of equipment and productivity of labour, using the relevant asset management processes.
•    Develop the most optimal plant shutdown strategy to maximize safe production on an annual basis.  Continuously improve the planning, preparation, execution and reviews of these shutdowns.
•    Ensure statutory compliance of all Fixed Plant electrical and mechanical plant, tools, and equipment.
•    Ensure correct technical input is provided for complex maintenance and operational challenges at the Fixed Plant, including selection of appropriate technologies.
•    Delivering sustained performance of the maintenance function against industry benchmark key performance indicators.
•    Identify risks that have the capacity to compromise Fixed Plant performance outcomes and drive resolution of these issues to mitigate any impacts to desired outcomes. 
•    Create and support a continuous improvement culture within the department, delivering sustained improvements in safety, production, availability, and reliability.
•    Review, monitor and audit consultants and contractor performance against statutory obligations, contract requirements, technical standards and procedures to ensure that quality, schedule and cost risks are minimised. 
•    Foster a proactive maintenance mindset to minimise breakdowns and ensure long-term asset life through best practice maintenance activities.
•    Oversee a reliability engineering function to ensure it applies root cause analysis (RCA), reliability-centred maintenance (RCM), and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) techniques.
•    Lead the integration of maintenance and reliability systems and processes from the existing plant into the expansion as the second concentrator is constructed, commissioned and ramped up to nameplate capacity.

Leadership and Team

•    Develop and manage an effective maintenance team, instilling a culture of safety, teamwork, ownership, and accountability while mentoring and coaching for professional growth.
•    Strong leadership skills, including providing technical direction and guidance for the maintenance team.

Role Requirements
    
•    15+ years’ experience in Fixed Plant maintenance and mineral processing, including at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity
•    Experience in developing and implementing a maintenance framework and strategy based on reliability centred maintenance and preventative maintenance principles.
•    Understanding of root cause analysis software (Apollo, FMEA, 5 Why’s, etc.) 
•    Understanding of Maintenance Management System experience (SAP desirable)
•    Previous shutdown and maintenance / process plant experience in mining environment 
•    Experience in managing multi-discipline teams driving a high-performance culture through positive working relationships and leveraging company values and behaviours
•    Knowledge of legislative requirements, statutory and regulatory codes.
•    Knowledge of life cycle cost (LCC) and zero based budgeting (ZBB), capital expenditure management, and project management.
•    Demonstrated track record of problem solving and solution implementation delivering significant process improvements
•    Experience with Operational Readiness activities combined with considerable experience in transitioning from plant commissioning to steady state operations.        
•    Demonstrated ability to work at a remote mine site.
•    Mechanical or Electrical Engineering qualification or equivalent and/or Trade background.
•    Additional business/commercial qualification desirable.
•    Knowledge of the Mine Safety and Inspection Act & Regulations including Statutory Supervisor compliance (S26) 
•    Valid drivers licence

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the role, candidate experience, skills and qualifications will be offered.

Our team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Candidates from all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply, including First Nations People, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities and those with neurodiverse, intersectional, or multiple diverse characteristics.

Covalent Lithium is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with a focus on our employees. We recognise skills, expertise, commitment and living our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration. Our goal is to attract, develop, motivate, reward, and retain the best people in the industry.