Principal - Mine Plan & Optimisation

Principal – Mine Plan & Optimisation

Greenbushes Lithium Operation

Full Time Position

Lithium plays a critical role in the transition to clean energy, and Talison Lithium is the world’s leading lithium minerals producer with the largest high-grade ore body in the world - join us and be a part of the transition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Mine Manager, the Principal Long Term Planner is a senior technical authority responsible for shaping the site’s long‑term mining strategy. The role leads the development and governance of mine plans across a two‑year horizon through to Life of Mine, ensuring alignment between operational delivery, capital planning, and broader business strategy to support safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible outcomes.

As a trusted technical leader, you will provide strategic insight and leadership across multidisciplinary teams, translating complex technical analyses into clear, actionable recommendations. A key aspect of the role involves preparing, reviewing, and presenting mine plans, options analyses, and performance scenarios to senior leadership and executive stakeholders, enabling informed decision‑making. Through strong communication and influence at all levels, you will drive long‑term value creation, resource optimisation, and sustainable productivity across the operation.

Responsibilities include:

• lead the development and governance of pit and waste dump designs, integrating environmental, geotechnical, and risk considerations to support safe, compliant, and value‑optimised outcomes;
• own the preparation and implementation of long‑range planning horizons, including quarterly medium‑term plans (two‑year outlook), rolling five‑year plans, and the Life of Mine plan, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and capital objectives;
• deliver annual Ore Reserve Estimates, including reserve model preparation, assurance, and documentation in line with reporting standards and governance requirements;
• provide technical oversight and assurance to short‑term planning and operational teams, monitoring compliance with approved plans and driving continuous improvement;
• act as the primary technical interface with shareholder technical representatives, ensuring transparent, accurate, and defensible planning assumptions and outcomes;
• collaborate with internal leaders, shareholder representatives, and external specialists (geotechnical, engineering, environmental) to inform strategic decisions and manage technical risk; and
• support major capital projects, long‑range budgeting, and statutory and regulatory reporting, including preparation of materials for senior leadership and executive review.

About the Candidate:

• tertiary qualification in Mining Engineering; 
• AusIMM accreditation as a Competent Person under JORC preferred; Quarry Manager’s Certificate highly regarded;
• minimum 10+ years’ experience in open-pit mine planning within a mid-sized operation;
• demonstrated expertise in long‑term and Life of Mine planning, aligned with operational and corporate objectives;
• strong technical capability across open‑pit mine design, tailings storage facilities, and water dam planning;
• solid understanding of geotechnical principles, geological modelling, and Ore Reserve estimation and reporting;
• proficient in CAD‑based mine design software and the Microsoft Office Suite;
• proven ability to undertake financial analysis, develop project cost models, and support capital investment decisions;
• highly developed technical reporting and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to senior and executive stakeholders;
• demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams; and
• strong knowledge of mine safety regulations and environmental management systems.

Some of the many benefits of working with Talison include:

• flexible working environment;
• income protection insurance;
• life Insurance for company superannuation employees;
• attractive parental leave policy;
• salary sacrifice options for remote area housing, motor vehicles and superannuation; and
• participation in site performance-based incentive scheme.

About Talison Lithium

Talison Lithium supports many of the community projects, groups and sporting events our employees are involved in. Our future is within, and as part of, the community.

The Greenbushes Lithium Operation is located in a unique residential setting, near the town of Greenbushes atop the picturesque Darling Scarp. Being active in the broader community is integral to our core business values of safety, transparency and inclusiveness. We regularly carry out site tours for local school and community groups and promote education through Mine Open Days and community events.

Supporting a diverse workforce

Talison Lithium strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of work experience. Talison Lithium takes pride in its unique location and the excellent work/life balance offering that our employees enjoy. Talison Lithium recognises that we are strengthened by diversity and is committed to providing a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.  We are an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from all genders, cultures and identities.

How to Apply

Please apply for this vacancy by including your Resume and Cover Letter with your application, on our Talison Lithium Careers portal. This portal is accessible via all Talison Lithium Advertisements on Seek / LinkedIn.

We look forward to receiving your application for this vacancy.