Marianaminerals
Chief of Staff to the COO
2w ago
180000 –210000 USD / yearUSAC-leveloperational excellenceproject managementchange management
Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the COO, driving critical operational initiatives and ensuring alignment across sites and functions.
Responsibilities
- We are seeking a highly capable Chief of Staff to the COO to serve as a force multiplier for our operations organization and a trusted extension of the COO.
- This role is designed for an experienced operator who has led large-scale industrial, software/autonomy-first operations, and thrives in fast-paced, execution-focused environments. You will work directly with the COO to drive Mariana's most critical operational initiatives, improve production performance, implement new technologies, and ensure alignment across sites and functions.
- The ideal candidate has significant operational leadership experience, a strong Operational Excellence mindset, and a track record of successfully leading change across multiple sites. You are equally comfortable on a production floor, in executive meetings, and leading complex, high-visibility projects that directly impact company performance.
- This role requires up to 80% travel across Mariana's operating locations and project sites.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Management, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years of experience leading industrial, manufacturing, processing, energy, logistics, or related operational environments
- Ideally executive leadership experience.
- Previous site leadership experience such as General Manager, Plant Manager, Site Director, or equivalent
- Proven experience leading multi-site operations or company-wide operational initiatives
- Demonstrated success implementing Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Experience deploying automation, autonomy, robotics, advanced manufacturing, AI-driven operations, or industrial technology solutions
- Strong preference for candidates with automation/autonomy experience from industries that are more technologically mature than mining
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders collaboratively and drive alignment across multiple functions and stakeholders
- Experience managing large-scale operational transformation programs and change management initiatives
- Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills
- Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
- Strong executive presence and ability to represent senior leadership internally and externally
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 80%
Other
- Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the COO, on the company's highest-priority initiatives
- Represent the COO across operational sites, leadership meetings, customer interactions, and strategic initiatives
- Lead high-visibility, cross-functional projects that directly impact production, operational efficiency, and company growth
- Partner with site leadership teams to ensure production targets, operational KPIs, and business objectives are achieved
- Be responsible for building the best operational excellence program in the world
- Support the deployment and integration of new technologies, automation systems, and operational innovations across Mariana's sites
- Identify operational bottlenecks and develop scalable solutions that improve performance across the organization
- Lead company-wide and multi-site transformation initiatives from planning through execution
- Establish accountability mechanisms, operating rhythms, and reporting structures that improve organizational execution
- Partner closely with Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure successful project delivery
- Monitor operational performance, identify risks, and proactively drive corrective actions
- Develop executive-level analyses, recommendations, and presentations to support strategic decision-making
- Travel extensively to operating locations to ensure alignment, execution, and continuous improvement efforts remain on track
- Council with site operations leaders to provide advice and direction
- Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
- Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
- Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
- Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.