Principal Adviser Capability Development

Principal Capability Projects – Future People

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic-thinking Principal Capability Projects – Future People to lead function-wide capability initiatives within the Future People team. This role is responsible for the portfolio management of large-scale capability projects and programs that uplift performance, simplify work, and prepare the People Function for future challenges.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in organisation development, agile project management, and learning product development, with a strong ability to translate strategic goals into scalable, high-impact solutions. This role will also support the integration of Safe Production System (SPS) principles and digital and AI enablement across capability initiatives.

This role reports to the Manager Capability Development – Future People and works closely with other Principal Capability Development leads and stakeholders across the People Function. Some key accountabilities include

• Lead the portfolio management of strategic capability projects and programs across the People Function

• Define, design and deliver a capability strategy that enhances the strategic and operational impact of the people function.

• Apply agile project management methodologies to deliver capability initiatives efficiently and iteratively

• Define, design and implement a Learning Management Framework to provide governance and consistency across all capability development activities.

• Lead and contribute to the design of knowledge management practices and ensure capability assets are current, accessible, and practical,

• Ensure learning and training programs are outcome-focused and embedded in the flow of work.

• Design and develop innovative learning solutions and frameworks that support performance and transformation

• Partner across the people function, and business leaders to co-create impactful development experiences

• Support digital enablement through integration with HR systems (e.g., Workday, ServiceNow)

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of capability initiatives using data, feedback, and business outcomes

• Embed Safe Production System (SPS) principles into people practices, translating them into practical tools, methods, and behaviours that enhance consistency and performance.

• Oversee governance, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards and delivery excellence

• Manage timelines, budgets, risks, and interdependencies across multiple concurrent initiatives

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in organisation development, human capital consulting, or related fields

• Proven track record in leading complex projects and programs, ideally in a global functional or matrixed environment

• Expertise in agile project management and learning product development

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with credibility at senior leadership levels.

• Expertise in change management, facilitation, coaching, and consulting skills.

• Ability to translate strategic frameworks into practical capability outcomes

• Experience with HR digital systems and enabling adoption through capability initiatives

• A mindset of continuous improvement, innovation, and enterprise-wide thinking

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to measure learning effectiveness and business impact.

• Commitment to safety and alignment with Rio Tinto’s values of Care, Courage, and Curiosity

This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future capability of our People function – ensuring we are trusted, capable partners to the business and future ready.

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, sick leave) 

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

• Possible domestic relocation assistance 

Where you’ll be working

This role is open to Perth and Brisbane Hubs.

Applications will close on Monday the 27th of October 2025.

#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.

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