About Copper SA Operations at BHP
BHP is a global resources company operating across more than 90 locations worldwide. Through Copper South Australia (Copper SA), we are building a leading copper portfolio that supports the global energy transition, supplying materials essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.
For you, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and help shape the future of one of Australia's leading copper businesses.
About the Role
We currently have a vacancy for a Lead Project Delivery, reporting to the Superintendent Projects. This is a senior leadership role within the Carrapateena Project Delivery team, accountable for the day-to-day delivery of a multi-discipline portfolio of brownfield and sustaining capital projects ranging from less than $1M to greater than $30M.
The Lead Project Specialist leads a team of project professionals and is the first point of leadership, coaching and escalation for the portfolio. The role owns delivery performance, governance and reporting across the portfolio.
Success in this role requires a strong understanding of project delivery across the full lifecycle, from initiation and definition through execution, commissioning, handover and close-out, together with the leadership capability to build and develop a high-performing team within an operating mine and processing plant environment.
- Reports to: Superintendent Projects.
- Direct reports: Project Managers, Project Engineers and Project Specialists.
- Portfolio: Multi-discipline brownfield and sustaining capital projects, from less than $1M to greater than $30M.
- Disciplines: Mechanical, electrical, civil and structural, process and infrastructure projects across the mine, processing plant and site services.
- Lifecycle: Initiation, definition, execution, commissioning, handover and close-out.
In this role responsibilities will include:
Governance, Controls and Commercial
- Own portfolio-level reporting on safety, scope, cost, schedule, risk and quality, providing clear and accurate performance insights to the Superintendent Projects and leadership.
- Review and challenge project estimates, forecasts, change requests and approval submissions prepared by the team.
- Ensure robust risk and opportunity management, including participation in HAZOP, CHAZOP and safety in design reviews.
- Oversee contracting strategy, contractor and consultant performance, and commercial outcomes across the portfolio.
- Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes, tools and standards.
Stakeholders and Interfaces
- Build strong relationships with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Asset Management, Supply and HSE to align project delivery with site priorities.
- Coordinate interfaces and resources across concurrent projects and shutdowns to minimise impact on production.
- Support the Superintendent Projects with portfolio planning, capital forecasting and the development of the forward project pipeline.
Leadership and People
- Demonstrate an overriding commitment to health, safety and environmental performance, and lead by example in the field.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of direct reports, setting clear expectations, managing performance and building capability across the team.
- Act as the first point of escalation for project issues, resolving delivery, technical and commercial problems.
- Allocate resources and prioritise work across the portfolio to match team capability with project scale, complexity and risk.
- Deputise for the Superintendent Projects as required.
Portfolio Delivery
- Oversee delivery of projects across the full lifecycle in accordance with the BHP Small Projects Management Framework (SPMF) and applicable BHP project management requirements.
- Ensure projects are properly initiated and defined, with clear scope, business case, estimate, schedule and execution strategy before approval to proceed.
- Apply a fit-for-purpose level of rigour to each project, scaling governance, controls and assurance to project value, complexity and risk.
- Drive safe and efficient execution, including construction, shutdown and tie-in activities within a live operating environment.
- Lead commissioning, operational readiness, handover to Operations and Maintenance, and project close-out, including lessons learned.
About Carrapateena
Carrapateena is a large, modern underground copper‑gold operation and one of South Australia’s most significant mining developments in the past decade. Located approximately 160km north of Port Augusta on the traditional lands of the Kokatha people. Carrapateena combines cutting‑edge mining methods with a strong focus on safety, innovation and performance.
With an expected mine life of more than 20 years and ongoing investment to expand production, including the transition to large‑scale block cave mining, Carrapateena offers the opportunity to build a long‑term career in a future‑focused operation.
Designed with automation, digital systems and efficiency at its core, the site provides exposure to advanced underground mining and evolving technologies, supporting safer, smarter and more connected ways of working.
About You
- Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline is preferred.
- Significant experience in project delivery in mining, oil and gas, or heavy industry, including experience in a lead or senior project role.
- Demonstrated experience delivering multi-discipline brownfield projects in operating sites, from small projects under $1M through to projects greater than $30M.
- A strong understanding of project delivery from initiation through to execution and handover, including stage-gate governance and approval processes.
- Proven capability leading, coaching and developing project teams, including direct reports.
- Strong understanding of project controls, estimating, scheduling, risk management and contract management.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to report clearly to senior leaders.
- Strong commercial acumen and sound decision-making.
- Experience using SAP and ProCo, and strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Strong commitment to safety and the confidence to lead by example.
Desirable:
- Experience with the BHP Small Projects Management Framework (SPMF) or similar project governance frameworks.
- Project management certification (such as PMP or AIPM certification).
- Experience in underground mining or mineral processing environments.
Work Location
Based at Carrapateena, this role is offered FIFO from Adelaide or Port Augusta on either a 5/2/4/3 or a 4/3 roster.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At BHP, you’ll do meaningful work in an environment that supports you to perform at your best; on site and at home. That’s why our benefits are designed to support your health, your growth, and your personal balance:
- Grow your career your way, with opportunities to develop and move across BHP
- Be rewarded with competitive pay, performance bonuses and our BHP employee share plan
- Work in an inclusive team where people support each other every day
- Enjoy flexibility and family-friendly options that help you balance work and life
- Access wellbeing support, including 24/7 confidential assistance for you and your family
- Build your future with benefits like paid parental leave, recognition programs, etc
Life at Carrapateena
Our modern on-site village, Tjungu Village, is designed to support comfort, connection and wellbeing, with:
- A fully equipped gym with over 25 stations, group fitness classes, and new wellness facilities including reformer pilates in development
- Social and recreational spaces including the Pernatty Pub, mini golf, and a golf simulator
- High-quality dining at the Dry Mess, known for its variety and standout meals
- Modern, spacious accommodation with in-room entertainment and streaming capabilities
- Scenic surroundings and unique site views, including iconic sunrises over the operation
And so much more!
How to Apply
Please apply before 25 October 2026
About Our Process
At BHP, we are committed to employing individuals who align with the BHP Charter Values and meet the requirements of the role. As part of the recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted to demonstrate applicants’ suitability for a role including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.
We Support a Diverse Workforce
At BHP, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and can thrive. Our workforce reflects the communities where we operate, and we value all aspects of identity; gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, education, and more.
We ensure that our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and equitable. If you have a disability and need adjustments, please contact us at inclusion@bhp.com.