Manager Leaching | Innovation | BHP Chile

BHP Group • Chile • 2d ago

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Product & Strategy, this role sits within a global innovation team that acts as a catalyst for transformational change across the organisation. As Manager Leaching, you will play a critical role in developing and integrating next‑generation technologies that will reshape hydrometallurgical processes and intelligent mineral processing.
Your work will primarily focus on innovation in copper leaching technologies, while also integrating sensing solutions, advanced data analytics, machine learning and automation. You will lead the development, testing and implementation of breakthrough technologies that deliver step‑change improvements in operational efficiency, safety and sustainability across mineral processing operations.
In this role, you will lead the Leaching team and work closely with operational Assets, Innovation sub‑teams and key functional areas to ensure emerging technologies are aligned with business priorities and future growth opportunities.

Main Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Leaching team to develop and deliver Technology Product Roadmaps aligned with asset needs and long‑term growth objectives.
Own and manage the team’s forward work plan, including prioritisation, resourcing, budgeting and delivery against key milestones.
Partner with the Ecosystems team to identify new technologies, partnerships and concepts of operation that deliver step‑change improvements and address portfolio gaps.
Oversee the development of risk‑based learning plans, budgets and schedules to progress technologies from early‑stage maturity through to onsite demonstration.
Review and approve business cases, incorporating commercial considerations and early‑stage economic assessments of emerging technologies.
Provide leadership and oversight of development and test programs delivered internally or with external vendors to derisk technologies and enable progression to onsite trials.
Work closely with the Delivery Team to define requirements for onsite testing and ensure strong technical support during piloting and demonstration.
Act as the technical authority for leaching technologies, providing subject matter expertise, guidance and mentorship across the broader organisation.
Represent the Leaching team in cross‑functional and global Technical Working Groups to share insights, align strategies and leverage global capabilities.
Build, develop and lead a high‑performing team through coaching, mentoring and capability development to ensure effective delivery of the innovation portfolio.

About You

Required

Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
15+ years of progressive experience in hydrometallurgy, with deep expertise in copper leaching technologies, including heap, dump and agitation tank leaching.
Demonstrated track record leading the end‑to‑end development and commercialisation of new products or processes within the mining, chemical or related industries.
Extensive hands‑on experience in leaching reagent chemistry, mineralogy and associated process technologies.
Proven leadership capability, with experience managing, coaching or mentoring technical teams and leading multidisciplinary innovation programs.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance technical priorities, resources and timelines across a diverse innovation portfolio.
Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Financial and commercial acumen to assess technology attractiveness and investment value.
Highly collaborative mindset, with the ability to build effective relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic thinking skills, including the ability to assess multiple future scenarios and technology pathways.
Willingness to work in Santiago on a 5:2 schedule, with travel as required.

Highly Desirable

Experience scaling technologies from laboratory to pilot and full industrial deployment.
Established professional network within the hydrometallurgy academic and industry community.
Experience working with major mining companies on field trials and technology implementation.
Knowledge of project management methodologies, including stage‑gate or equivalent frameworks.
Business acumen related to copper markets and mining chemicals.
Ability to apply systems thinking to integrate multiple technologies into end‑to‑end operational solutions.