Date: 21 Aug 2026
Location: Mayfield, Newcastle, NSW, AU, 2304
Company: Orica
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 role
We are seeking a Senior Manager – AN Production to join our leadership team at Kooragang Island Manufacturing Centre in Newcastle, NSW.
Reporting to the Kooragang Island Facility General Manager, this role holds single-point accountability for the safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of the Ammonium Nitrate Product Line, ensuring product is manufactured and despatched on time, in full, and to the highest quality standards.
As a key member of the site leadership team, you will lead the Ammonium Nitrate Product Line through a team of direct leaders, with accountability for workforce performance, capability, engagement and operational results across the production operation. Working closely with maintenance, technical, planning and supply functions, you will drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people outcomes while building a culture of ownership and continuous improvement. You will play a critical role in shaping the future performance of one of Orica's most important manufacturing assets.
This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in complex operating environments, values collaboration, and is passionate about developing high-performing teams.
What you will be doing
Lead the safe and reliable operation of the Ammonium Nitrate Product Line, with accountability for performance across safety, production, quality, maintenance, delivery and cost.
Build and maintain a strong safety culture that prioritises the wellbeing of people, compliance and operational discipline.
Provide visible leadership to a large operational workforce, fostering engagement, accountability and high performance.
Deliver production plans and customer commitments through effective collaboration with maintenance, technical, planning and supply teams.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve plant performance, efficiency, reliability and cost outcomes.
Manage Product Line budgets and resources to achieve operational and financial targets.
Lead workforce planning, capability development, performance management and succession planning activities.
Contribute as a member of the site leadership team, helping shape strategy and support broader business objectives.
What you will bring
Significant leadership experience within chemical manufacturing, energy or another complex industrial manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success leading large operational teams and delivering results across safety, production and commercial objectives.
Strong understanding of operational excellence, continuous improvement and manufacturing performance systems.
Experience operating within highly regulated environments, ideally a Major Hazard Facility.
A degree in Engineering, Science or a related technical discipline.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders, lead through change and build alignment across multiple functions.
Strong commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.
A collaborative leadership style with a genuine passion for developing people and creating high-performing teams.
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.
