Superintendent Development Processing & Refinery | Olympic Dam

BHP Group; South Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & bonuses

Employee share plan

Wellbeing support

Parental leave

Job summary

BHP is seeking a Superintendent – Development Processing & Refinery at Olympic Dam in South Australia. You will lead metallurgical teams, drive safety culture, and deliver operational and capital projects to enhance throughput, recovery, and product quality.

This role reports to the Manager Technical Processing and operates within a dynamic, safety-focused environment. You will contribute to strategic planning, production forecasting and technical development while fostering collaboration across

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Metallurgy or related engineering.
• Extensive senior metallurgical/technical development experience.
• Proven leadership and safety-focused culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of metallurgical and technical professionals.
• Act as a visible safety leader, promoting a strong culture of care and safe operations.
• Develop and deliver operational and capital projects to improve throughput, recovery, and product quality.
• Provide technical leadership across Processing and Refinery operations.
• Lead investigations into plant performance issues and implement improvements.
• Manage the Development Metallurgical Project portfolio to deliver benefits.
• Support forecasting, production planning and optimisation activities.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders across Olympic Dam and Copper South Australia.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgy

Technical guidance

Stakeholder engagement

Continuous improvement

Safety leadership

Education

Metallurgy/Chemical/Process Engineering degree

Job description

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Superintendent Development Processing & Refinery | Olympic Dam

Date: 11 Sept 2026

Job Posting End Date:

Job Country: Australia

Job State/Province: South Australia

Job Location/Region: Olympic Dam

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 Olympic Dam

Olympic Dam is Australia’s largest world-class underground mining operations, featuring a highly advanced on-site metallurgical processing plant in South Australia. It offers the opportunity to build a long-term career in a dynamic and future-focused environment.

As part of BHP, you’ll work at a large and complex site that produces copper, uranium, gold and silver, using modern technology and innovative practices.

Located approximately 560km north of Adelaide on the traditional lands of the Kokatha, Arabana and Barngarla people, Olympic Dam is a cornerstone asset within BHP’s Minerals Australia portfolio, known for its scale, innovation, and strong focus on safety and performance.

With ongoing investment, including over A$840 million in near-term growth capital, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, develop future-ready skills, and contribute to meeting the world’s increasing demand for copper and a more sustainable future.

About the Role

We currently have a vacancy for a Superintendent – Development Processing & Refinery, reporting to the Manager Technical Processing. This is an opportunity to lead one of the most technically diverse metallurgical development teams in Australia, influencing the future performance of Olympic Dam’s Processing and Refinery Operations. Leading a team of metallurgical and technical professionals, you will drive operational and capital initiatives that improve throughput, metal recovery, process stability, product quality and cost efficiency across a complex processing environment. Working closely with operational, project and functional stakeholders, you will identify and deliver metallurgical improvements that create sustainable long-term value for Olympic Dam and Copper South Australia. You will contribute to strategic planning, production forecasting and technical development while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of metallurgical and technical professionals, creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Act as a visible safety leader, promoting a strong culture of care and safe operational outcomes.
• Develop and deliver operational and capital projects that improve throughput, recovery, process stability, product quality and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership and metallurgical expertise to support operational performance across Processing and Refinery operations.
• Lead investigations into plant performance issues and implement sustainable improvement solutions.
• Manage the Development Metallurgical Project portfolio to deliver expected operational and business benefits.
• Support metallurgical forecasting, production planning and optimisation activities to maximise asset performance.
• Build strong partnerships with operational, project and functional stakeholders across Olympic Dam and Copper South Australia.
• Ensure technical governance and stewardship standards are maintained while driving metallurgical excellence.

Work Location

This role is based at Olympic Dam, South Australia and operates on a 5/2, 4/3 roster. FIFO options from Adelaide and residential options in Roxby Downs are available.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 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 Olympic Dam

• Life on site is designed to help you switch on for work and switch off when it matters, with a modern on-site village that supports comfort, connection, and wellbeing.
• Vibrant village lifestyle with a modern tavern, golf simulators and regular social events.
• Strong focus on wellbeing, with a fully equipped gym, outdoor courts, yoga, Pilates and personal trainers.
• Great food experience, including varied menus and themed dining nights.
• Easy access to everyday essentials, with daily bus services to Roxby Downs.
• Ongoing investment in facilities, creating a comfortable and constantly improving place to live while you grow your career.
• And so much more!

About You

As a key leader within Technical Processing, you will develop technical capability across your team, provide expert metallurgical guidance and support business decisions that enhance operational performance today while preparing the operation for future growth.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Tertiary qualifications in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering.
• Extensive experience in senior metallurgical, technical development or project delivery roles within minerals processing operations.
• Strong leadership capability with a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing technical teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering continuous improvement initiatives, operational performance improvements and sustainable business outcomes.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work effectively across operational, technical and project teams.
• Experience across processing technologies such as milling, flotation, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, electrowinning, electrorefining and gold processing operations will be highly regarded.
• Exposure to plant commissioning, operational readiness and integration of new facilities will be advantageous.
• A commitment to safety, inclusion and building high-performing team cultures grounded in collaboration and care.

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 [e-mail] .