• Lead a critical industrial operation. Build the team. Set the standard.
• Hands on leadership with real autonomy and visible impact.
• A career defining role with a genuine lifestyle upgrade in Queensland

This is a Site Operations Manager role for a leader who wants ownership, influence and a chance to reset how they live as well as how they lead. You will take charge of a complex, council owned facility operating under a true alliance model, where your decisions and leadership style directly shape performance, culture and outcomes.

The operation is still early in its life cycle. It has moved beyond commissioning and now needs a strong, grounded leader to stabilise, mature and perform. Your focus will be on building operational rhythm, lifting leadership capability, embedding safety and cost discipline, and creating consistency across people, plant and process.

Success is tangible. A calm, predictable site. Clear decision making. Strong relationships with stakeholders. A capable leadership team underneath you. You are present, visible and trusted, with the autonomy to run the business properly.

This role is an ideal opportunity for someone currently based in a major city who is open to relocation and ready for a different pace of life for the family, without stepping back in responsibility or impact.

About you

You are an experienced operational leader, likely operating at Branch Manager, Site Manager or equivalent level. You are comfortable leading hands on in a small but complex environment and confident making decisions where technical opinions differ.

Ideal candidates will come from large, operationally complex service or infrastructure environments such as utilities, transport, logistics, facilities or industrial services. Previous experience working with local councils or government stakeholders will be strongly regarded.

You bring discipline around safety, cost control and performance. You understand regulated environments and stakeholder scrutiny. You lead with clarity and consistency and take accountability personally. You are also open to relocation and see value in trading congestion and cost pressure for space, balance and lifestyle.

What’s on offer

This role offers genuine autonomy, strong senior exposure and the backing of a large, established organisation with robust systems and long-term stability. You will be trusted to lead, supported to make change and given the space to build a high performing operation.

A tree change/lifestyle opportunity with negotiable relocation assistance offering the choice to reside in either Hervey Bay or Maryborough, both offering affordable housing, quality schooling options, short commute times and an outstanding lifestyle, whether that means coastal living and outdoor recreation in picturesque Hervey Bay or the space, community and stability of a well-serviced regional centre in Maryborough, all without sacrificing career progression. The role provides a clear platform to step into larger and more complex leadership opportunities over time.

For further information please apply via the role advert or contact Paul Wheeler: paulw@areteexecutive.com.au or 0404 250 368. Please note I am based in Brisbane. Given the high volume of applications and enquiries, we kindly ask for your patience as we work through responses and will attend to you as soon as possible. Please note that email applications will not be accepted to ensure a fair and consistent process.

You must have unrestricted working rights in Australia to apply. As part of the recruitment process, reference checks will be conducted, with 2 recent references from direct line managers being mandatory. In addition, employers may require other pre employment checks at their discretion, which can include medical, police, or psychometric assessments depending on the specific requirements of the role.

Arete Executive specialises in the Search and Recruitment of Leadership and Executive roles throughout Australia. We offer cost effective headhunting services from 10% with guaranteed results delivered in under 20 days. Candidate confidentiality is assured with all applications, with your privacy being our utmost priority. Partner with us for fast, reliable and impactful recruitment solutions.