Superintendent Operations

• Lead operational excellence and technical compliance across Resource Development drilling and earthworks activities.

• Shape strategy, continuous improvement and capability development for a team of supervisors and specialist SMEs while building a strong pipeline of future leaders. 

• 5/2 4/3 FIFO role with travel to all Pilbara based sites.  

We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other. 

About the role 

We are looking for a Superintendent Operations to support RDMT Drilling Operations by leading a team of supervisors and specialist subject matter experts, driving operational excellence, technical compliance and continuous improvement across drilling and earthworks activities. This role offers the opportunity to influence safety, planning and performance outcomes while contributing to long-term operational strategy. 

What you’ll be doing 

Reporting to the Manager Drilling Operations, you will lead operational improvement initiatives, manage change processes and ensure governance and assurance activities are effectively executed across the function. You will also be:

• Lead and develop a team of supervisors and specialist SMEs to deliver safe, productive and compliant operational outcomes. 

• Drive safety leadership initiatives, including Leadership in the Field (LIF), critical risk management and continuous improvement actions. 

• Oversee technical compliance activities, assurance processes and reporting frameworks to improve visibility of non-conformances and risk controls. 

• Develop and execute operational improvement initiatives, tracking performance and ensuring delivery against agreed objectives. 

• Manage change processes and provide strategic input into operational planning, contractor management and resource allocation. 

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, operational leaders and contractor partners, to achieve business outcomes. 

• Support workforce capability through succession planning, coaching, mentoring and development of future operational leaders. 

• Implement and refine systems, tools and processes that strengthen governance, efficiency and operational performance. 

About you 

We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every “helpful for success” item to apply. If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application. 

Required for Success 

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team. 

• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams within mining, resource development, drilling, earthworks or another large-scale safety-critical environment. 

• Experience managing people, contractors and operational delivery within a complex operational setting. 

• Strong capability in operational planning, continuous improvement, risk management and change management processes. 

• Experience influencing diverse stakeholders and working with regulatory, community or external partner groups. 

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent operational leadership experience. 

Helpful for Success 

• Experience with assurance, compliance or governance programs within mining operations. 

• Knowledge of contractor management and drilling or earthworks activities. 

• Experience using structured continuous improvement methodologies such as PDCA. 

• AQF 5 risk units, Exploration Manager, Statutory supervisor, and/or Senior site executive legislative exam.

What we offer 

Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority

• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto

• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program 

• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family               

• Attractive share ownership plan

• Company provided insurance cover

• Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options

• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions 

• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support 

• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, personal & cultural leave)

• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)

• Possible domestic relocation assistance 

Applications for this role will close on Monday 14th September 2026. 

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.

Respect and Inclusion

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ 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.