Chief of Staff to the COO
About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying critical minerals essential for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We aim to reimagine the minerals supply chain by integrating deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
The Role
We are seeking a 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 with significant experience leading large-scale industrial, software/autonomy-first operations in fast-paced, execution-focused environments.
- Drive Mariana's most critical operational initiatives
- Improve production performance
- Implement new technologies
- Ensure alignment across sites and functions
What You’ll Do
- 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
- Build 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
Desired Qualifications
- 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
- Ideal 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 more technologically mature than mining
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders collaboratively and drive alignment across multiple functions and stakeholders
- Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills
- Able to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 80%
Culture
Our culture is built on three principles: 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.
Compensation Range
$180K - $210K