Maintenance Manager

• Join Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery

• Site-based at Eneabba, Western Australia

• DIDO, BIBO or residential depending on location

Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of critical minerals, zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. In partnership with the Australian Government, Iluka is developing Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba in Western Australia’s Mid West.

The refinery will produce both light and heavy separated rare earth oxides, supporting diversified global supply chains for minerals essential to defence, renewable energy, electric vehicles, robotics and advanced technologies.

About the role

Play a pivotal role in establishing and leading the maintenance function for our Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery, helping shape the long-term success of one of Australia's most significant critical minerals projects.

Rare earths is a fast moving and dynamic business, with constant product development, debottlenecking and moat widening (reducing cost, improving efficiency) a feature.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Maintenance Manager will be responsible for building the maintenance teams, culture and processes required to successfully ramp up the plant and then support continued business growth.

Initially, the refinery will operate in a ramp-up environment with a strong focus on flexibility, corrective modifications, and corrective and breakdown maintenance. As operations mature, you will lead the transition to a more proactive, fit for purpose planned maintenance approach whilst retaining team flexibility and a relentless improvement focus.

This site-based role operates on a 5:2, 4:3 roster, with new camp accommodation and facilities provided. Residential, BIBO or DIDO is available depending on location.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the maintenance team to deliver flexible, safe, reliable and efficient refinery operations

• Establish fit for purpose maintenance systems, processes and strategies to support refinery ramp-up and long-term continued business growth

• Drive equipment reliability, asset performance and continuous improvement initiatives

• Lead the safe execution of planned, breakdown, shutdown and statutory maintenance activities

• Develop and manage maintenance budgets, forecasts and resource plans

• Oversee major shutdowns and plant outages to achieve safety, cost and schedule objectives

• Drive defect elimination, root cause analysis and reliability improvement programs.

• Optimise maintenance planning, work management processes and spare parts strategies

• Foster a strong safety culture through visible leadership, risk management and compliance with site standards

• Build capability within the maintenance team through coaching, development and performance management

About you

• Trade qualification or tertiary qualification in Engineering

• Significant maintenance leadership experience within processing, chemical, refining, mining, or minerals processing

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasts and resources.

• Experience leading large maintenance teams in a complex operational environment

• Proven experience managing both routine maintenance activities and major shutdowns

• Strong knowledge of maintenance and asset management principles, and the ability to adapt and apply such principles into fit for purposes processes and systems

• Outcomes focussed leadership rather than systems focussed leadership

• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• The ability to drive change, solve complex problems and make sound operational decisions

• Intermediate Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project skills

• Experience supporting a plant commissioning, start-up or operational ramp-up (Highly regarded)

How to apply

Applications should include a resume detailing previous experience.

Applications from candidates who are not selected for this opportunity will be considered for future recruitment campaigns

What we offer

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value, apply now. 

Applications close: 23 October 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”