Operations Manager – Capital Projects

About the role

Bennco Group is looking for an exceptional Operations Manager to lead our Capital Projects function. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you’ll be accountable for the safety, delivery, financial performance, pipeline and people of a portfolio of capital projects for Tier-1 resources clients across the Pilbara and regional WA.

You’ll lead a team of Project Managers, Construction Managers, Contracts Administrators, Estimators, Supervisors and trades. You’ll hold officer-level duties under the WHS Act, set the standard for how projects are run, and make performance visible across the business.

This role suits a proven senior leader who is exceptionally strong in safety, people leadership and program and portfolio management, and who builds the systems and processes that let a growing projects business deliver consistently.

What you’ll do

• Safety leadership: exercise officer-level due diligence across all Capital Projects sites. Lead safety visibly in the field, verify critical controls, keep SWMS/JSEAs current and inspections on schedule, and make sure incidents are reported and closed out. You’ll own TRIFR, leading indicators, emergency readiness and Fitness for Work compliance.
• Program & portfolio management: govern delivery across multiple concurrent projects to program, budget and quality. Run regular project reviews and step in early on projects at risk. Make sure ITPs and hold points are followed, defects are closed before handover, and environmental and heritage requirements are met.
• People leadership: finalise and lead the Capital Projects team structure through a Management Operating System (MOS): clear roles, a weekly team meeting, structured 1:1s, performance management and recognition. Recruit well and develop the next generation of project leaders.
• Systems & process: improve the systems, standards and tools the team works within, including project controls, reporting, document management and operating rhythms, so project stats and reporting are visible every week.
• Stakeholder management: build strong, trusted relationships with clients and principal’s representatives, designers and consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, and Traditional Owner and community groups.
• Growth & pipeline: work with the Commercial Manager to grow Capital Projects revenue, diversify beyond our core clients and improve our win rate.
• Financial performance: own the Capital Projects cost centre and annual budget, drive gross margin, and work with Finance so cost and WIP data can be trusted.
• Reporting & risk: deliver a monthly report to the COO with leading indicators up front, communicate proactively, own the Capital Projects risk register, and escalate early with a proposed solution.

What you’ll bring

• A tertiary qualification in project management, construction management, engineering or a related discipline, or a trade plus extensive equivalent experience
• 10+ years’ construction experience, including 5+ years managing multiple capital projects with P&L accountability
• Exceptional safety leadership, with a solid understanding of officer due diligence under the WHS Act 2020 (WA) and a track record of improving safety performance
• Proven program and portfolio management: governing several concurrent projects through strong project controls, scheduling, cost management and risk management
• Excellent people leadership: you’ve built and led high-performing teams of Project Managers, engineers and supervisors, and you coach and develop project leaders
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills: trusted by clients and executives alike, with clear, concise reporting
• Excellent systems and process skills, with experience putting in place project management systems, reporting and operating rhythms that stick
• Strong contract administration (AS 4000 family) and commercial management skills
• Experience on Pilbara resources sector projects (highly regarded)
• Procore experience (highly regarded)

You’ll also need

• A current C-class driver’s licence
• The ability to pass a pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol testing and a National Police Clearance
• Full Australian working rights
• The ability to travel frequently to remote Pilbara sites, meet client site access requirements, and work in site conditions including extreme heat and full PPE

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary package plus superannuation
• A senior role reporting to the COO, with real influence over how the business grows
• Perth-based, with meaningful time in the field
• The chance to shape the team, systems and standards of a growing Capital Projects division
• A supportive, family-oriented business that backs its people