Introduction

The Project Director will hold full end-to-end accountability for all site operations. They will lead the mobilisation phase, oversee all load and haul activities, and scale the workforce from an initial team of approximately 30 to a projected 200+ personnel. This role requires a leader who can navigate the complexity of a startup operation while managing multiple reporting lines and driving performance.

What are you going to do 

  • Lead the full lifecycle of project execution, from startup operations through to full production, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
  • Oversee all load and haul activities and holistic mine operations (mine to port).
  • Drive operational readiness, ensuring seamless transition from development and commissioning into sustainable operations.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for capital efficiency and productivity improvements.
  • Build and scale the operational team from ~30 to 200+ personnel.
  • Manage dual reporting lines-internal to contractor leadership and external to the client.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for regulator reporting and governance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with joint venture partners, commercial partners, and governance groups.
  • Develop and implement integrated project controls across cost, schedule, and risk.
  • Manage major contract execution and analysis to maximise operational and financial performance and mitigate exposure and risk.
  • Enforce change control with executive visibility and maintain strict capital discipline.
  • Develop project risk and quality management plans to assure effective management of project scopes of work.

Essential skills and knowledge

  • Significant experience in project management within the mining industry, with a focus on large-scale operational projects. Proven experience managing teams of 100+ personnel.
  • Current SSE (Site Senior Executive) and Quarry Manager (QM) qualifications.
  • Demonstrated experience in greenfields or startup operations, particularly bringing a site out of care and maintenance.
  • Proven ability to build trusted relationships across complex environments, managing client, contractor, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Strong expertise in capital management, project scheduling, risk management, and project controls.
  • Highly adaptable to change and comfortable working in a fluid, evolving operational environment.

Desirable Attributes:

  • A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
  • Experience in open pit operations.

What we offer 

  • Circa $340k + 30% STIP
  • PM Incentives paid quaterly
  • Build a team and operational culture from the ground up.
  • Exposure to major projects and strategic clients

About Brunel

Brunel is a recruitment and flexible workforce solution provider which connects talented people with opportunities throughout Australasia and around the world. We specialise in highly skilled roles across a variety of technical, professional, trades and craft disciplines, pairing candidates with industry-leading projects and organisations on a contract, permanent or secondment basis.

Operating in Australasia since 1997, Brunel has major bases of operation in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Port Moresby, which are further backed by the strength and reach of a truly global network spanning over 45 countries, 120 offices and 50 years of successful operation.

Brunel is proud to be equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates.

Do you have questions?

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the details of this role, please contact Michael Garcia m.garcia@brunel.net

Closing: 30 July 2026

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Vacancy reference: PR-291812

MG

Corporate recruiter

Michael Garcia

+61 8 9429 5662

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