Chief of Staff to the COO

About the position 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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%

Benefits

• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.