Principal Technical Governance (Tailings)

The Opportunity – Permanent, Full Time Position

This position of Principal Technical Governance (Tailings) will provide technical leadership and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) into and across the business in relation to tailings storage facilities and dams, focussing on geotechnical and operational aspects. Ensure that South32’s global portfolio of operations and major projects are well positioned in relation to managing tailings storage and surface water management related risks. 

This will be delivered through a combination of service, support, governance, and collaboration (internally and externally)

Reporting to the Manager Technical Stewardship (Tailings), key role accountabilities include:

• Provision of technical subject matter expertise (SME) service/support across the global operations to enable strategic and material risks to be managed and high-value opportunities to be realised in relation to the tailing’s storage and surface water management
• Participate in industry-wide and other key external working groups and forums, guiding industry direction and influencing future policy regarding tailings and surface water planning as relevant to South32 and communicating impacts of reform back into the business  
• Technical review of documentation relating to tailings and water dams for all stages of development from inception to closure
• Provide stewardship and governance for all tailings storage facilities and dams across the company
• Represent the company through various Joint Venture Partners and external activities
• Develop and undertake governance risk controls, including peer reviews, periodic internal technical audits of the underlying work, independent audits of new facilities, annual performance metrics. Participation in team development and upskilling activities, supporting an inclusive and high performing team environment consistent with South32 values, LEADership Model and our Team Charter
• Establish, implement, maintain, and verify procedures related to the proper management of tailing storage facilities and dams across the company
• Document and maintain the South32 Dam Management Standard to ensure alignment with current regulatory frameworks in the jurisdictions in which the company operates

About You

We would like to hear from professionals with the following skills:

• In-depth SME knowledge of critical state soil mechanics, tailings rheology, geotechnical engineering and TSF operations as evidenced through related tertiary qualifications and extensive post-graduate and practical on-ground experience. 
• Expertise in specialist geotechnical investigation techniques, advanced laboratory testing, slope stability and seepage analysis and detailed design relating to tailings and water storage facilities and associated infrastructure.
• Proven capability in successful design and/or management of High consequence TSFs in a range of challenging mining operations and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decisions and performance at both the operational and management level through effective written and verbal communication

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships (face-to-face and remote) 
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing business needs and circumstances 
• Excellent skills in managing time, setting priorities, planning, and organising 
• Capable of working with minimal supervision and able to self-manage priorities, with focus on high quality outputs and attention to detail. 
• Ability to engage and gain trust of stakeholders at all levels of an organisation 
• Experience in external stakeholder engagement (industry, community, regulatory), including ability to influence policy direction. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Civil/Geotechnical/Other), Masters or PhD in either Soil Mechanics or Geotechnical Engineering highly desirable

Our benefits 

• Competitive Salary
• Incentive bonus
• Participation in the Employee Share Plan
• Industry leading parental leave and family care policy
• Education and career development

Location

Ideally, this role will be based at our office in Perth or Brisbane. We understand and value the benefits flexibility brings and operate a hybrid work model (in the office and from home) Other locations may also be considered for the right candidate.

Our culture 

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We’re focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organisation, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Applications close 14th November 2022