Chief Operating Officer

Geelong Permanent View Job Description
Protex Water are looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead operations and project delivery while preserving their agility and culture of direct accountability. Someone with a team-first mindset, whilst introducing best-practice methodologies.
  • Newly-created leadership position
  • Agile business entering an exciting phase of growth

About Our Client

Protex Water is a values-driven, engineering-led project delivery business with a flat, hands-on structure and a strong culture of Smart, Hustle, Quality, and Reward. After a decade of significant growth, they're entering a new phase - scaling up with more structure, process maturity, and leadership capability.

Job Description

The COO will play a key support role to the General Manager, and lead a diverse and experienced Operations and Project teams. Your role will include, and not be limited to:

 

  • Operations & Project Delivery: Engineering/design, project management, production, procurement, and warehousing.
  • Project Financials: Cost control, delivery time-lines, and margin preservation across projects from $0.5M to $10M+.
  • Systems & Processes: Initiate and lead implementation of best practices and operational platforms (e.g., Netsuite).
  • Team Leadership: Manage/influence 5-7 functional leads across engineering, production, projects, procurement, and finance.
  • Culture Stewardship: Maintain our transparent, merit-based, and self-policing culture.



 

The Successful Applicant

The successful applicant will require a variety of skills, experience and attitude to drive Operational performance;

  • Engineering or technical background (degree preferred).
  • Proven leader in project delivery with commercial accountability.
  • Experience in engineering, infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, or similar sectors.
  • Skilled in leading technically strong teams and driving change.
  • Comfortable presenting business cases and influencing board-level decisions.
  • Grounded, humble, strategic - and not afraid to roll up your sleeves.



 

What's on Offer

Why Protex Water ? Protex Water has a proud 35 year history working with customers around Australia, and have built a reputation as a professional partner committed to achieving their customers goals.

  • Flat structure with high visibility and impact.
  • Strong values and culture - measured and celebrated monthly.
  • High employee retention and open feedback loops.
  • Directors work closely with the team and are ready to empower the right leader.



 

Contact
Huwy Jones
Quote job ref
JN-082025-6803656
Phone number
+(61) 431 983 068

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Specialisation
Production, Manufacturing
What is your industry?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Geelong
Job Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Huwy Jones
Consultant phone
+(61) 431 983 068
Job Reference
JN-082025-6803656

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. PageGroup acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate on.