Area Construction Lead (Mechanical, Structural and Piping)
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a self‑motivated and technically strong Area Construction lead to deliver construction leadership across design, construction and commisioning phases for digestion projects, within a complex Brownfield environment. Based in Gladstone, this role is accountable for ensuring construction activities are delivered in accordance with specifications, strategies and standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Champion a strong safety culture and support the Sustaining Capital Projects Leadership Team in driving high performance.
* Contribute to schedule management by validating progress, updating forecasts, and providing input to the master schedule.
* Foster a collaborative and positive team environment aligned with RTA values and behaviours.
* Provide constructability input into design deliverables, specifications, and vendor packages.
* Support modularisation and pre-assembly assessments, logistics planning, and construction work packaging (CWP/IWP)
* Validate installation sequencing, temporary works, lifting and cranage envelopes, laydown areas, hydrotest and isolation strategies, and brownfield tie-ins.
* Contribute to the Construction Readiness Plan, including site establishment, materials management, temporary facilities, and utilities.
* Participate in tender reviews and provide technical input into contractor award recommendations.
* Coordinate construction resources to safely and efficiently deliver the assigned SMP scope.
* Manage interfaces between Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations Readiness teams.
* Oversee RFI and TQ processes, ensuring timely resolution of site-based technical issues.
* Lead brownfield tie-ins, isolations, shutdowns, and SIMOPS execution.
* Provide oversight of critical construction risks including lifting operations, temporary works, scaffolding, and access systems.
* Own area schedule performance and productivity, lead progress reviews, and implement recovery plans where required.
* Drive Mechanical Completion, pre-commissioning, and handover to Commissioning in line with the Project Execution Plan (PEP).
About You
* Demonstrated safety leadership and commitment to safe execution.
* Minimum 10 years' industry experience, with strong exposure to SMP construction.
* Experience across the full project lifecycle, from detailed design through to execution and commissioning.
* Proven capability managing construction contractors and influencing cross-functional teams.
* Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction scheduling / estimating tools.
* Trade qualification or tertiary qualification in Mechanical, Structural, or Piping disciplines (or equivalent experience).
* Demonstrated delivery of multi-contract SMP scopes on Tier 1 or Tier 2 projects.
* Competency in construction planning, progress measurement, field change control, and contractor performance management.
Desirable Experience
* 10+ years of SMP construction leadership within heavy process industries (alumina/refining, chemicals, oil & gas, mining).
* Experience in brownfield and shutdown execution environments.
* Exposure to modularisation, pre-assembly, and Advanced Work Packaging (CWP/IWP).
Apply now to take the next step in your construction project leadership career.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion