About the role
As Manager Performance, Improvement, Risk & Systems, you will play a critical leadership role within Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Health, Safety, Environment and Communities (HSEC) function. You will be responsible for driving system-wide improvements, embedding strategic planning processes, and enhancing the effectiveness of risk, performance, and assurance frameworks across the business. This role is central to integrating HSEC systems with operational execution, influencing cultural transformation, and ensuring alignment with RTIO’s ambition to be the Best Operator.
With a strong focus on strategic leadership, digital enablement, and cross-functional collaboration, you’ll guide the function toward high-impact, sustainable outcomes. Reporting to the Vice President, HSEC, you will;
Support the HSEC Leadership Team’s journey to embed a strong values-based performance culture by culture and performance through teams better collaborating and operating as an integrated system between themselves and the wider RTIO organisation.
Lead the development, integration, and enhancement of HSEC systems and processes that drive operational excellence across RTIO
Embed the HSEC Annual Plan and Rio Tinto’s Safe Production System practices (cascaded priorities, integrated cadences, problem solving, improvement) to support cohesive planning, prioritisation, and execution across the function.
Support the Annual Planning Review process and drive alignment between strategy, planning, and performance cycles
Define and coordinate HSEC work drivers with divisional General Managers, ensuring integration across business units and functions
Oversee risk analysis, assurance, and governance activities, supporting effective risk management and regulatory compliance
Drive the First Line of Defence program and guide risk reduction through structured frameworks and performance monitoring
Lead the development and implementation of the HSEC Digital Strategy, including continued Enablon adoption and system enhancements
Manage and develop the Risk, Systems & Performance teams, ensuring capability, coordination, and delivery against HSEC objectives
You’ll Bring
Experience in performance and business improvement, gained within a similar industrial environment
Strong project management skills and a strategic mindset, with the ability to see the big picture and drive meaningful outcomes
In-depth understanding of risk management and assurance processes within complex operational settings
Inclusive and people-centred leadership, with a track record of enabling high-performing, diverse teams, preferably in an operational environment
Ability to translate strategic and business requirements into practical, effective solutions in an operational context
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to partner across multiple levels of the organisation
Proven capability to influence, lead change and shift mindsets, supporting cultural and operational transformation
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment
A systems-thinking approach underpinned by strong analytical and reporting capabilities
Understanding of mining operations and sustainability, ideally with experience in heavy industry or manufacturing
Experience developing and embedding integrated planning, work management and performance systems in complex, matrixed organisations #gts
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice Matters
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.
