Resourcing the future: Meet Jade Singleton
Jade Singleton is Group Lead for Resources + Industry in Western Australia. With a broad range of mining engineering experience, she’s worked across various aspects of the mining process, in diverse environments. Jade’s experience spans both consulting and operational work with leading resource companies.
Looking back on your career and time at AECOM, what’s one moment or experience that really affirmed your purpose or values — something that made you stop and think, ‘this is why I do what I do’?
I can’t pinpoint one defining moment but rather reflect on the journey — where my career has taken me and the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. I’m inspired by connecting with others, clearing the path to help them succeed and solving problems to support collective progress.
I’ve enjoyed a career where I’ve grown personally and professionally, made possible by supportive workplaces and my parents, who’ve helped me balance work and family life.
I’ve been involved in encouraging and inspiring the next generation. The real “this is why I do what I do” moments come when students tell me they’re inspired to pursue engineering or mining after we connect at industry events. What drives me is helping others see the many career opportunities this sector offers — and empowering them to choose their own path.
Tell us about your career journey.
I studied Mining Engineering and Commerce in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in the mid-nineties, a wild, fun time with a strong sense of family. We all moved there straight from high school, living and studying in the heart of the mining world. Most holidays were spent gaining experience on sites across the Goldfields.
After graduating, I spent five years in operations at WMC Mt Keith nickel mine in the Northern Goldfields, then up to Hamersley Irons Yandi mine in the Pilbara.
When I had my first child, I returned to Perth and transitioned to consulting. It was the right move — exciting projects, the ability to be home every night and opportunities to travel overseas, including to Russia and Colombia!
My move to AECOM and infrastructure consulting was driven by a desire to broaden my experience and skills. After 25 years in it, I wanted to stay connected to the mining sector, while broadening my perspective by working in a space that supports it in new ways. AECOM’s commitment to delivering a better world really resonated with my personal values.
Tell us about yourself outside of work.
I’m a mother of two vivacious and dynamic teenagers! They are my world, and I’ve loved witnessing them find their way in the world.
Outside of family, I’m passionate about volunteering, particularly when it comes to educating and inspiring high school students about the wide-ranging career opportunities in the resources sector. There’s an awareness gap between the hundreds of roles available, and how essential mining is to our everyday lives.
For over a decade, I’ve been involved with the not-for-profit Get Into Resources, serving as Chair since 2021. Our committee runs events that help students connect with the industry. I also volunteer with the National Association of Women in Operations. We’re focused on achieving gender balance at all levels of operations. We create opportunities for our members to learn, share insights and build connections across organisations, all with a shared vision of inclusive, diverse workplaces.
How do you see your role evolving in the next few years, especially with how the industry is changing?
I envisage in my role at AECOM that I’ll continue to provide support to the teammates around me, in step with the changing needs of our industry. While our client base and projects may shift toward different commodities or expanding portfolios, the basic core skills like technical expertise, collaboration and strategic insight will remain essential.
Our Resources + Industry team plays a critical role in supporting clients across the full project lifecycle, from concept studies through to detailed design.
There is huge potential for growth in renewable energy and decarbonisation. Western Australia is on the cusp of major transformation, and we’ll need resilient, sustainable infrastructure to support that, from power and water to transport, defence, schools and hospitals. I’m excited to contribute to solutions that will serve communities and industries for decades to come.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave — in your team, in the work you deliver or in the culture you help shape?
I hope to leave a legacy of fostering a team culture where people feel a genuine sense of belonging, connection and support. To me, a high-performing team is one that communicates openly, shares knowledge, builds each other up, tackles challenges together and celebrates the wins.
At the core, we’re all human and our need to belong is a fundamental psychological motivator.
