Principal Operational Excellence – Mining Operations

About the role

Rio Tinto is seeking a Principal Operational Excellence leader to guide the transition of the Simandou project from a delivery phase to a full‑scale operating environment. Reporting to the General Manager Operations, you will shape the Mine Operating System and embed performance‑driven routines across the mine.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and continuously improve the Mine Operating System (MOS) across all operational areas.
• Establish daily, weekly and monthly operating rhythms, standards and governance structures.
• Build performance‑management frameworks, KPIs, scorecards and dashboards for clear visibility of operational results.
• Translate strategic objectives into concrete priorities, initiatives, milestones and accountabilities.
• Govern the Operations improvement portfolio, ensuring alignment with high‑value business priorities.
• Identify performance gaps, lead structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis, and drive sustainable improvements.
• Enhance the quality and consistency of operational reviews and decision‑making processes.
• Collaborate across Mining, Fixed Plant, Maintenance, Technical and support functions to solve cross‑functional challenges.
• Coach leaders and teams in operational excellence, structured problem‑solving and performance management.
• Capture lessons learned and embed them into standards, systems and ways of working.
• Support long‑term operational planning and capability development as the operation matures.

Required profile

• Proven experience in operational excellence or continuous improvement within large‑scale industrial or mining environments.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.
• Demonstrated capability to work closely with senior leadership and drive cultural change.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills to influence and develop teams.

Required skills

• Structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis methodologies.
• Performance‑management framework design, KPI development and dashboard creation.
• Governance and portfolio management of improvement initiatives.