Chief of Staff to the COO

About the Company

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the COO on highest-priority initiatives
• Represent the COO across operational sites, leadership meetings, and customer interactions
• Lead high-visibility, cross-functional projects impacting production and operational efficiency
• Partner with site leadership to ensure production targets and operational KPIs are achieved
• Build and manage a world-class operational excellence program
• Support the deployment of new technologies, automation systems, and operational innovations
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop scalable solutions
• Lead company-wide and multi-site transformation initiatives
• Establish accountability mechanisms, operating rhythms, and reporting structures
• Partner with Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams
• Monitor operational performance and proactively drive corrective actions
• Develop executive-level analyses and presentations to support strategic decision-making
• Travel extensively (up to 80%) to operating locations to ensure alignment and execution

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Management, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience leading industrial, manufacturing, processing, energy, or logistics environments
• Previous site leadership experience (e.g., General Manager, Plant Manager, Site Director)
• Proven experience leading multi-site operations or company-wide initiatives
• Demonstrated success with Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma
• Experience deploying automation, autonomy, robotics, or AI-driven industrial solutions
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment across functions
• Experience managing large-scale operational transformation and change management
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
• Strong executive presence
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 80%