Head of Operations - Energy #02091806

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Operations – Energy to lead the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of energy operations based in Wollongong. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational delivery, asset performance, workforce leadership, and continuous improvement across a complex and asset-intensive environment.

The Head of Operations will play a key role in ensuring operational activities align with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives. Working closely with executive leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders, this role will drive performance across operations while supporting growth, resilience, and long-term asset value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational performance of energy assets and associated activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable delivery
• Provide leadership across operations, maintenance coordination, asset utilisation, and operational planning
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and performance optimisation initiatives across the business
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, regulatory, and governance requirements
• Manage operational risk, business continuity, and asset integrity across the portfolio
• Oversee budgets, cost control, forecasting, and operational performance reporting
• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, commercial, and project teams to align operational priorities with broader business objectives
• Support commissioning, shutdown planning, maintenance programs, and operational readiness initiatives where required
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, contractors, customers, service providers, and internal stakeholders
• Lead, coach, and develop operational leaders and site-based teams to build capability and performance
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety leadership, and continuous improvement

Requirements:
Required Experience and Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior operations leadership role within the energy, utilities, infrastructure, industrial, or related sectors
• Demonstrated success leading operational teams in asset-intensive or safety-critical environments
• Strong understanding of operational planning, maintenance coordination, asset performance, and risk management
• Proven capability in budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost management
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance obligations
• Excellent people leadership skills, with experience developing high-performing teams
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capability
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a complex operational environment
• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, business, operations, or a related discipline

Preferred Experience

• Experience in power generation, renewables, energy infrastructure, transmission, distribution, or related energy operations
• Familiarity with the Australian energy market and regulatory environment
• Exposure to operational improvement, transformation, or asset optimisation programs
• Experience working across multi-site operations or geographically dispersed assets
• Understanding of contractor management, outage planning, and service delivery models

Benefits:
Senior operational leadership role within a critical energy environment

Wollongong-based opportunity with strategic and day-to-day operational scope

Opportunity to shape performance, culture, and long-term operational capability

Competitive remuneration package with performance-based incentives

Strong long-term career potential within a growing and evolving sector

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, marital or family status, pregnancy, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Australian law.

Commitment to Diversity

Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all individuals are valued and supported to contribute fully.

Reasonable Adjustments

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities or other needs (including pregnancy or family responsibilities). We work collaboratively with candidates to ensure fair access to the recruitment process and workplace.

Compensation Information

Where applicable, compensation details may be included in the job advertisement or discussed during the recruitment process. Remuneration will be determined based on skills, experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity, in line with applicable laws and regulations.

Compliance with Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all relevant Commonwealth, State, and Territory legislation governing employment, including anti-discrimination, workplace relations, and equal opportunity laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, remuneration, and termination.

Workplace Behaviour

We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation. Such conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Privacy

Personal information collected during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable privacy principles. Information will only be used for legitimate recruitment and employment purposes.

Pay Equity

Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to fair and equitable remuneration practices and may conduct periodic reviews to ensure alignment with equal pay principles under Australian law.

Veteran and Service Recognition

We respect and value the skills and experience of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and encourage applications from veterans.

Use of Technology in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used to support human decision-making only. AI is not used to make final hiring decisions or automatically exclude candidates. All decisions are reviewed and made by qualified recruitment professionals.

Local Compliance

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Important Notice

This job advertisement may represent a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The employing entity will be disclosed during the recruitment process. Employment conditions and legal requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.