About Copper SA Operations at BHP
BHP is a global resources company operating across more than 90 locations worldwide, with a purpose to improve lives and support a more sustainable future. 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 Carrapateena
We currently have a vacancy for a Principal Safety, reporting to the Superintendent Safety. This role is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to safety leadership and continuous improvement at one of Australia's most innovative underground mining operations.
The Challenge Ahead
As Principal Safety, you will play a key leadership role in strengthening the safety culture and safety performance across Carrapateena. Working closely with operational leaders, frontline teams and contracting partners, you will influence and support the development of a workplace where safety is integrated into decision-making and operational excellence.
This 12-month fixed-term contract offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in risk management, safety leadership, investigations, learning and continuous improvement while contributing to a modern underground mining operation with a strong focus on people, performance and care.
You will partner with stakeholders across the business to identify opportunities for improvement, support strategic safety initiatives and ensure statutory and organisational requirements are met. Through coaching, engagement and visible field leadership, you will help build capability and foster a culture where everyone takes ownership of safe and sustainable outcomes.
As a trusted advisor, you will provide technical guidance and practical support to leaders, helping them manage risk, strengthen compliance and drive meaningful safety improvements across the operation.
What You'll Bring to the Role
You are an experienced safety professional who leads through influence, credibility and collaboration. You are passionate about creating safer workplaces and enjoy partnering with diverse teams to improve safety performance and organisational capability.
What You'll Bring to the Role
You are an experienced safety professional who leads through influence, credibility and collaboration. You are passionate about creating safer workplaces and enjoy partnering with diverse teams to improve safety performance and organisational capability.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Strong experience within safety, health, risk or HSE environments, ideally gained within mining, resources, heavy industry or similarly complex operational settings.
- Qualifications in occupational health and safety, risk management or a related discipline, with a Diploma or higher qualification highly regarded.
- Well-developed knowledge of safety management systems, risk management processes, incident investigations and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes at all levels of an organisation.
- Experience analysing performance data and identifying emerging trends to support informed decision-making and improved safety outcomes.
- Demonstrated capability in coaching, mentoring and developing leaders to strengthen safety leadership and accountability.
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive culture built on care, respect and continuous learning.
- A current unrestricted driver's licence.
In this role, you will:
- Lead and facilitate safety-focused workshops, improvement projects and capability-building initiatives that strengthen organisational safety culture and performance.
- Provide specialist safety expertise across risk management, investigations, learning and safety management systems.
- Partner with operational leaders and stakeholders to understand priorities, identify risks and develop practical solutions.
- Support the development and implementation of operational safety strategies and improvement initiatives for material safety risks.
- Analyse safety performance data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement across operations and contracting partners.
- Provide expert HSE guidance to line leaders on risk management, compliance obligations and safety performance.
- Ensure reporting obligations are completed accurately and in accordance with business and legislative requirements.
- Conduct and participate in field leadership activities, coaching leaders and teams to improve safety awareness, capability and compliance.
- Promote continuous improvement and contribute to a workplace where people feel empowered to speak up, learn and make a positive difference.
Work Location
This role is based at Carrapateena, South Australia and is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract, operating on either an 8 days on, 6 days off roster or a 5/2/4/3 roster arrangement.
FIFO options are available from Adelaide and Port Augusta, providing flexibility while allowing you to contribute to one of Australia's most advanced underground copper-gold mining operations.
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, and more.
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!
Applications close 5pm Wednesday 25th November 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.