About this role
About Orica
At Orica, our people spark ideas, shape progress, and grow together. For over 150 years, we’ve worked alongside communities to deliver the resources that build our future.
Today, we’re leading the way in mining and civil blasting through innovation, automation, and a commitment to safety and respect for the lands and waters where we operate.
About the Kooragang Island Manufacturing Facility
Orica’s Kooragang Island (KI) facility is one of our most significant global manufacturing assets and a highly regulated Major Hazard Facility producing ammonia and industrial nitrates. With 200+ permanent employees and up to 100 contractors, KI is central to Orica’s EBIT contribution and future growth agenda, including the nationally significant Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub project.
The site maintains a strong focus on process safety, regulatory compliance and active engagement with industry partners, regulators and the local community.
About the location
Based in Newcastle, NSW, the KI facility offers an exceptional lifestyle opportunity — a modern, fast growing coastal city with outstanding beaches, wine regions, leading schools, great dining, and convenient access to Sydney.
About the role
Following an internal promotion, Orica is seeking an experienced and influential General Manager to lead the Kooragang Island Manufacturing Facility. Sitting on the AusPac Leadership Team, the GM holds executive accountability for safety, plant operations, production performance, compliance, community reputation and major project execution at one of Australia’s most complex chemical manufacturing sites.
This role is responsible for both day to day operational excellence and shaping the site’s long term strategic direction, including critical involvement in planning and delivering the Hydrogen Hub.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a flagship site at the centre of Orica’s global manufacturing network.
Key Responsibilities
- Safety Leadership Above All Else – Champion process safety, Major Hazard Facility compliance and high risk operational standards.
- Operational & Technical Excellence – Lead safe, reliable production; optimise engineering, maintenance and plant reliability systems.
- Regulatory & Community Engagement – Represent KI with regulators, community groups and business partners while maintaining Orica’s standing as a trusted corporate neighbour.
- Major Projects Leadership – Provide executive governance for significant capital projects including the Hydrogen Hub.
- People & Culture Leadership – Lead a large, diverse workforce; strengthen capability, engagement and culture; navigate complex industrial environments.
- Strategic & Commercial Accountability – Contribute to Orica’s AusPac strategy and drive operational, commercial and environmental improvements.
- Environmental Stewardship – Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and uphold Orica’s commitments to sustainable operations.
What You Will Bring
- Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Process Engineering or similar.
- Proven leadership experience in high risk, continuous manufacturing (chemical, fertiliser, energy, smelting or similar).
- Deep capability in process safety, engineering and reliability.
- Strong stakeholder influence across regulators, community, unions, executives and government.
- Demonstrated success leading large operational teams and navigating industrial frameworks.
- Experience with major project governance in complex brownfield environments.
- Strategic mindset, commercial insight and the credibility to represent a high profile industrial site.
Why join Orica?
At Orica, we believe in growing together. You’ll learn from experienced mentors, work in a team that values respect for people and the land, and build a career in a safe, supportive environment.
We offer competitive remuneration, meaningful career pathways, and a culture that celebrates diversity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Other facts
About Orica
Our story began in 1874, when we first supplied explosives to the Victorian goldfields in Australia. Since then, we have grown to become one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers.
From the production and supply of explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals and geotechnical monitoring to our cutting-edge digital solutions and comprehensive range of services, we sustainably mobilise the earth’s resources.
With 150 years of expertise, our 14,000+ community of engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, business specialists and on-site crew support customers in surface and underground mines, quarry, construction, and oil and gas operations.
Sustainability is integral to our operations. Our approach to sustainability begins with ensuring we operate our business responsibly, and by prioritising the safety of our people, customers, and communities. We are in a unique position to leverage our expertise in technology to create safer and more responsible solutions and deliver positive economic, social, and environmental contributions through our business activities.
What you'll do
- The General Manager is responsible for safety, plant operations, production performance, compliance, community reputation, and major project execution. This includes leading operational excellence and shaping the long-term strategic direction of the facility.
Ready to join Orica?
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