Kate Flanagan

From memories of growing up in small mining towns in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to studying International Business at Edith Cowan University, it was inevitable Kate Flanagan would be drawn to the mining industry.

Having started out in the Rail Department at BHP in 2010, Kate quickly gained recognition for her problem-solving abilities and was transferred into a technical role as a Rail Scheduler. Within just six months, she was promoted to Logistics Analyst, overseeing the entire iron ore supply chain and leading teams of schedulers to ensure maximum throughput.

Kate’s leadership capabilities were also being noticed and, after choosing to specialise in rail, she was made Rail Crew Supervisor. 

This marked the beginning of a leadership journey that saw her cross over into the technology department in 2016, taking responsibility for understanding priorities and translating them into tech solutions. 

Kate continued to progress through the ranks at BHP, before joining Roy Hill in 2022. 

“I worked at a very large miner for over a decade and value the lessons I learned,” says Kate. “But at Roy Hill, there's a great community vibe around the way we work; it’s a little more like a family business.

“We're all here to help and support each other and I was looking for that interpersonal connection, rather than just focusing on mining as a technical career.”

Relishing the challenges

As Executive General Manager IM & Technology at Roy Hill, today Kate leads a team of more than 130 people, supporting critical operational technology.

Such responsibility brings with it a series of significant hurdles, each requiring careful navigation and strategic decision-making.

Among the toughest obstacles to negotiate is the sheer complexity of the various operating systems her team looks after, most of which need round-the-clock monitoring and maintenance. 

Then there’s the small matter of responding swiftly and decisively to major technology incidents, often leading to high-pressure situations. 

Of course, these days, simply staying up to date with the latest technological advancements, such as generative AI, is a challenge in itself. 

“It’s essential to continuously evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on our operations,” continues Kate. 

“This requires ongoing learning, attending industry conferences and collaborating with experts in the field. Adapting to new technologies and integrating them into our operations can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.”

Overall, though, Kate embraces these challenges with open arms, seeing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. 

She adds: “By leveraging my problem-solving skills, leadership abilities and commitment to continuous learning, I can navigate these challenges and drive positive outcomes for my team and the organisation.”

Committed to driving innovation

Kate reflects on her career in the mining industry thus far with immense pride, particularly given her various contributions have repeatedly been recognised as she has risen through the ranks to take up senior leadership roles.

“My journey into technology and mining has been a fulfilling one, fuelled by my passion for the industry and my commitment to driving innovation,” says Kate. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact and contribute to the advancement of the resources sector.”

As well as being motivated by a desire to understand complex operational issues, Kate continues to relish leading those around her to high-impact, sustainable solutions. 

From her perspective, meeting new people and making connections are what make her job so enjoyable. 

“It’s about how you help people along the way, what you can learn and what value you can add to an organisation,” concludes Kate. “Those connections, and that opportunity to add value, are what truly drives me.”

Read the full story HERE.

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