Manager Technical Services - Simandou Project

About the role

Rio Tinto is recruiting a Manager Technical Services for its Simandou Iron Ore Project in Guinea, Africa's largest infrastructure and mining project, with first production expected in 2025. The manager leads the technical functions supporting safe, efficient and sustainable mining operations, providing strategic and operational leadership across mine planning, drill and blast, geotechnical, hydrogeology, survey, ventilation (where applicable), mine projects and operational improvement. The role ensures robust technical standards, accurate forecasting, effective risk management and continuous improvement to meet production, safety and cost objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Technical Services team, set technical standards and governance frameworks, and give expert advice to Mining, Processing, Maintenance and Project teams
• Oversee mine planning and scheduling, approve mine designs and production forecasts, and monitor performance against annual business plans and life-of-mine strategy
• Manage geotechnical risks, pit slope design, ground control, dewatering and survey activities, and provide technical assurance for geological and hydrogeological models
• Lead drill and blast optimisation, review blast performance and work with Operations to improve downstream outcomes
• Drive operational improvement, continuous improvement programmes and technology adoption
• Manage the departmental budget, support capital project business cases and oversee external consultants and contractors
• Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team, support localisation and succession planning
• Champion a strong safety culture, lead risk assessments and ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and community obligations

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mining, Geological or Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline
• Significant experience in open pit and/or underground mining operations
• Proven experience leading Technical Services in a large-scale mining environment
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent professional accreditation
• Postgraduate qualification in Mining Engineering, Business or Project Management
• Experience in large greenfield mining projects and operational readiness activities
• Experience working in Africa and multicultural environments

Required skills

• Mine planning, drill and blast, geotechnical engineering and operational improvement
• Mine planning and technical software such as Deswik, Vulcan, MineSched, Datamine or Leapfrog

What we offer

• Competitive base salary and annual cash incentives for eligible employees
• Career development, training assistance and access to family-friendly health programs, retirement and savings plans
• Wellness benefits, Employee Assistance Program and one-on-one support
• Generous leave policy including vacation and paid parental leave
• Employee stock ownership plan