Lead - Drilling Operations

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT PERTH OFFICE

South32’s corporate office is based in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The corporate office houses key functions including HR, Finance, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Group Risk and Technical. Our office is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the Perth Underground Train Station. 

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers 
• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises both your performance and the overall success of the business
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Superannuation Contributions at 14%

ABOUT THE ROLE

This permanent position will be located in our Perth offices. We understand and value the benefits of flexibility and operate a hybrid work model (in the office and from home).

As Lead – Drilling Operations, you'll develop and implement global drilling standards across Exploration while building a network of contracted drilling service providers and delivering specialist services across South32 exploration projects throughout the exploration lifecycle.

Reporting to the Senior Manager Exploration – Technical, other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Ensure consistent execution of Exploration Drilling Requirements across all operations through visible field leadership, working with contractors and exploration teams to align safety and operational performance while driving continuous improvement in standards, technology, and innovation.
• Establish and manage a global network of pre-qualified drilling contractors and specialists who demonstrate strong performance in safety, environment, and capability. Working with Contract Management, Regional HSE, and Exploration teams, you'll assess, select, and manage contractor performance against Key Performance Indicators.
• Take accountability for field implementation of the established operating model, applying principles of modularity, scalability, and consistency. You'll verify that drill contractors and field teams have the capacity and capability to execute operations safely and to standard.
• Coach and develop Exploration field teams and drill crews, building strong relationships with contractor management. You'll provide technical advice on drilling issues, support JV project teams, and reduce exploration activity planning and execution time across the exploration lifecycle.

ABOUT YOU 

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following: 

• Bring 15+ years in drilling and drilling supervision with hands-on experience in diamond and RC drilling, including planning and executing exploration work programs with visible safety leadership and proven risk assessment capabilities.
• Show unwavering commitment to health, safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development, with proven experience planning and executing technical HSSE-related work in fast-paced, demanding environments.
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and facilitation skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders, including Exploration Leadership, regulators, field teams, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Have proven capability in establishing and delivering work plans through effective leadership, with a track record of guiding change initiatives in diverse business settings and contract management experience to build trust-based stakeholder relationships.
• Display excellent time management, prioritisation, planning, and organising skills with superior attention to detail under pressure. You'll be an independent, proactive problem solver managing multiple competing deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrate performance management capabilities, including measurement, tracking, and reporting of project delivery and results, with a can-do attitude, international experience, and ability to work effectively within a small globally distributed team.

Qualifications for this position are: 

• Trade qualifications in mechanical/diesel fitting or relevant drilling trades

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.  We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable, and accessible to all, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 23 October 2025