Chief Operating Officer - Resources / Energy #1806FM

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Chief Operating Officer to lead the operational performance, strategic execution, and growth of a mid-sized business operating across the resources and energy sector. Based in Perth, this executive role will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and broader leadership team to drive business performance, strengthen operational capability, and position the organisation for sustainable long-term growth.

The COO will hold broad accountability across operations, asset performance, project execution, risk, people leadership, and business improvement. This role requires a hands-on and credible executive who can operate strategically while also ensuring disciplined execution across day-to-day operations in a complex, asset-intensive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operational performance of the business, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially sound delivery across assets, projects, and support functions
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute business strategy, growth plans, and operational priorities
• Drive performance across operations, maintenance, project delivery, supply chain, and other core business functions
• Oversee business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting to ensure strong commercial outcomes
• Embed operational excellence, continuous improvement, and performance optimisation across the organisation
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, regulatory, and governance obligations across all operations
• Manage operational risk, business continuity, and asset integrity in line with company objectives and stakeholder expectations
• Lead and develop senior operational leaders, building capability, accountability, and succession strength across the business
• Support capital projects, transformation initiatives, and expansion opportunities across the portfolio
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, regulators, contractors, investors, joint venture partners, and other key stakeholders
• Contribute to board and executive reporting, providing insight on operational performance, risk, and strategic execution
• Foster a high-performance culture aligned with the organisation’s values, commercial objectives, and long-term vision

Requirements

You are an experienced executive leader with a strong track record in the resources, energy, mining, utilities, or industrial sectors. You bring broad operational leadership capability, sound commercial judgement, and the ability to lead in dynamic, high-stakes, and asset-intensive environments.

You are equally comfortable shaping strategy and leading execution, and you are known for your ability to build strong teams, improve performance, manage complexity, and deliver results. You bring credibility with both frontline operations and executive stakeholders, and you are motivated by the opportunity to help scale and strengthen a mid-sized business.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Significant senior executive leadership experience in the resources, energy, mining, infrastructure, utilities, or related industrial sectors
• Demonstrated success leading operations at a divisional, regional, or enterprise level within an asset-intensive business
• Strong understanding of operational delivery, asset management, maintenance, project execution, and performance improvement
• Proven commercial and financial leadership capability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and strategic planning
• Experience operating in regulated, safety-critical, and stakeholder-intensive environments
• Strong track record in leading teams through growth, transformation, or operational improvement initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution and operational decision-making
• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, business, commerce, operations, or a related discipline

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a mid-sized or growth-stage resources / energy business
• Exposure to both operational and project environments across mining, energy, industrial services, or infrastructure
• Familiarity with Western Australian market dynamics and regional operational footprints
• Experience working with boards, private investors, joint ventures, or private-equity-backed environments
• Strong understanding of ESG, workforce, community, and sustainability considerations in the resources and energy sector

Benefits

Executive leadership opportunity within a growing mid-sized resources / energy business

Perth-based role with broad influence across operations, strategy, and business performance

Opportunity to shape the next phase of growth and operational maturity

Attractive executive remuneration package, including short- and long-term incentives

High-impact role with strong visibility and long-term career potential

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, marital or family status, pregnancy, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Australian law.

Commitment to Diversity

Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all individuals are valued and supported to contribute fully.

Reasonable Adjustments

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities or other needs (including pregnancy or family responsibilities). We work collaboratively with candidates to ensure fair access to the recruitment process and workplace.

Compensation Information

Where applicable, compensation details may be included in the job advertisement or discussed during the recruitment process. Remuneration will be determined based on skills, experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity, in line with applicable laws and regulations.

Compliance with Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all relevant Commonwealth, State, and Territory legislation governing employment, including anti-discrimination, workplace relations, and equal opportunity laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, remuneration, and termination.

Workplace Behaviour

We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation. Such conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

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Pay Equity

Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to fair and equitable remuneration practices and may conduct periodic reviews to ensure alignment with equal pay principles under Australian law.

Veteran and Service Recognition

We respect and value the skills and experience of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and encourage applications from veterans.

Use of Technology in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used to support human decision-making only. AI is not used to make final hiring decisions or automatically exclude candidates. All decisions are reviewed and made by qualified recruitment professionals.

Local Compliance

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Important Notice

This job advertisement may represent a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The employing entity will be disclosed during the recruitment process. Employment conditions and legal requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.