Manager Operational Readiness, Copper SA - Adelaide

BHP; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee share plan

Flexible work options

Wellbeing support

Job summary

BHP is seeking a Manager Operational Readiness, Copper SA based in Adelaide to lead the strategic readiness of major Copper SA investments, including the Olympic Dam projects. You will drive handover, ramp-up, and long-term asset performance by embedding operational requirements into plans and enabling high-performing teams across Operations, Projects, Engineering and Maintenance.

You will champion governance, assurance and change, manage readiness resources and partner with senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Experience leading operational readiness, project management or asset management in heavy industry.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement across multiple functions.
• Proven ability to influence and drive value in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimisation and governance of operational readiness strategies across Copper SA portfolio.
• Embed operational requirements into project scope, design, execution and handover.
• Develop and oversee readiness plans, schedules, systems and training for start-up.
• Support ramp-up and stabilisation to achieve performance objectives.
• Ensure scanf, costs and scope are included in project master plans and managed.
• Drive value through portfolio evaluations and minimum viable solution activities.
• Monitor value delivery via KPIs and manage governance, change and risk.

Skills

Operational readiness

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

Manager Operational Readiness, Copper SA - Adelaide

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 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.

The Challenge Ahead

As Manager Operational Readiness, you will play a critical leadership role across Copper SA's portfolio of major investments, with a particular focus on key surface processing projects including the Olympic Dam Smelter and Refinery Project, Smelter Campaign Maintenance initiatives, and Non-Process Infrastructure projects.

This role is responsible for ensuring new and modified assets are successfully transitioned from project delivery into safe, reliable and operationally effective production environments. You will lead the development and execution of operational readiness strategies, systems, processes and organisational capabilities that enable successful handover, ramp-up and long-term asset performance.

Working across a diverse portfolio, you will partner closely with Operations, Projects, Engineering, Maintenance, Commissioning and other key stakeholders to embed operational requirements into project planning and execution. You will also provide leadership to a team of Operational Readiness professionals, ensuring the right capability, governance and resources are in place to support portfolio outcomes.

This is an opportunity for an experienced leader who enjoys influencing complex projects, driving value optimisation, developing high-performing teams, and contributing to some of Australia's most significant mining and processing investments.

This role is based in Adelaide with regular visits to our Copper SA sites in South Australia.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development, optimisation and governance of operational readiness and asset strategies across the Copper SA investment portfolio.
• Ensure operational requirements, value drivers and operational inputs are embedded throughout project scope development, design, execution and handover.
• Develop and oversee operational readiness plans, schedules, systems, procedures and training requirements to support successful asset start-up and operational integration.
• Support project teams through ramp-up and stabilisation phases to achieve operational performance objectives.
• Ensure operational readiness scope, schedules and costs are incorporated into project master plans and managed effectively.
• Drive value optimisation by actively participating in portfolio and project evaluation processes, including trade‑off assessments and minimum viable solution activities.
• Monitor operational value delivery through key performance indicators, identifying risks, controls and improvement opportunities.
• Provide leadership and assurance to ensure engineering, construction and commissioning activities align with business standards and operational requirements.
• Establish and maintain governance, assurance and management of change processes that support value delivery and operational performance.
• Manage the allocation and capability of Operational Readiness resources to support portfolio priorities.
• Lead, develop and grow operational readiness capability, creating a strong pipeline of future talent and leadership.

What you'll Bring to the Role

You are an experienced leader with a strong background in either project delivery, operational leadership, maintenance, asset management or a combination of these areas within a heavy industry, mining, minerals processing or manufacturing environment.

You are passionate about developing people and creating conditions where teams can perform at their best. Through coaching, mentoring and collaboration, you build capability and foster a culture focused on safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

You’ll also bring:

• Strong experience leading operational readiness, project management, site operations, maintenance or asset management activities, supported by tertiary qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders across multiple functions and levels of an organisation.
• Experience using continuous improvement principles, data analysis and performance reporting to drive outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning and decision‑making capabilities in complex environments.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, solving problems and delivering practical solutions.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams while managing competing priorities.
• A commitment to safe operations and building a strong risk‑aware culture.

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.

And so much more!

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 @bhp.com .