Specialist Business Improvement

An inclusive environment for all
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves. We also want everyone to feel that their voices matter, that all cultures are respected, and that perspectives, as diverse as they are, are not only welcome, but essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other distinguishing aspect.

At Rio Tinto, we welcome and encourage applications from women, older workers, persons with disabilities and representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Everyone is different, and we believe that these differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences, and perspectives within our team enhances the way we work and our ability to succeed together.

About the position

The Simandou Mining Project (the Project) is a Greenfield iron ore exploration and mining project located in the southeast of the Republic of Guinea, in the Guinea Forestière region of West Africa. The project is being developed by Simfer SA (Company), the licensee of the Simandou Iron Ore Project Concession. Simfer SA is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, Chinalco (Aluminum Corporation of China) and the Guinean government. The project will include the development of a 50 to 100 mtpa, a railway of approximately 650 km and a port facility south of Conakry.

The primary role of the Business Improvement Specialist is to support the Business Improvement Manager in facilitating LEAN and other business improvement activities, and the area supervisors and employees to make the changes identified as part of the LEAN and continuous improvement activities. A team approach and collaboration is very much an integral part of this function which touches any internal and external work groups within RT.

Reporting to the Business Improvement Manager, this role is responsible for:

• Support the design and implementation of a productivity improvement program for construction and mining activities. This will include identification of improvement initiatives, management of the pipeline, oversight of delivery of initiatives, reporting and tracking of improvements.

• Conduct/facilitate LEAN activities as directed by the Business Improvement Manager, guiding area management and employees through LEAN processes to determine safer and more efficient/effective methods of organising and completing their work tasks

• Implement business improvement plans and find solutions in conjunction with project teams.

• Coordinate the execution of business improvement initiatives to deliver enhancements in current processes, including internal communication (information centers), workplace organization (5s), logistics and use of resources (value stream mapping).

• Visit projects and report on progress, improvements and areas of concern.

• Provide regular reports and records of business improvement activities as required (e.g. weekly report).

• Follow up with area management and employees on completed LEAN activities, ensuring that identified improvements are being implemented and providing support/guidance as needed.

• Participate in regular audits of operating sites, practices and equipment.

• Follow up specified projects on the ground in conjunction with the Department Superintendents.

• Develop and maintain effective networks through collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers.

• Being available to work with area employees on an informal, ad-hoc basis to help them develop their understanding of LEAN principles and apply LEAN tools in their areas

• Provide LEAN training and guidance to all staff and departments. Supervise and assist with Lean implementation and sustainability across the project.

• Deliver LEAN training sessions to staff and contractors.

• Capture, evaluate (in terms of cost and business benefits) and report all business improvement projects and initiatives on a regular (monthly basis).

• Operate in a manner consistent with The Way We Work.

• Be aware, understand, communicate and comply with the Rio Tinto HSEQ Policy and Simandou Principles and the Simandou HSEC Management System requirements.

• Be aware and comply with relevant HSEC legal and other requirements.

• General environmental duty not to carry out any activity that causes or is likely to cause environmental harm.

• General duty of care to self and others.

• Undertake quality pre-task hazard assessments (i.e. JHA and Take 5) and implement controls as identified using the hierarchy of controls.

What you will bring

To be successfully considered for this role, you will ideally have: 

• Experience typically achieved through tertiary qualifications in a related mining, engineering or commercial discipline (bachelor’s degree desirable).

• Relevant practical experience in business improvement, operations, logistics and/or IS&T (data management, system development).

• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English and French.

• LEAN Training (desirable, but not essential)

• Experience with operational aspects of mining and exploration would be an advantage.

• Knowledge of the LEAN philosophy and/or continuous improvement tools as well as their application would be an advantage.

• Experience assisting LEAN foundation tool implementations and/or LEAN-Six Sigma projects would be an advantage.

What we offer

Get recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped the world move forward.

• Work environment where safety is always the top priority
• Competitive base salary based on your skills and experience
• Annual cash incentives for eligible employees
• Career development opportunities and training assistance to achieve your aspirations • Access to family-friendly health programs, top-notch retirement and savings plans
• Wellness benefits
• Rio Tinto's generous employee stock ownership plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• One-on-one wellness support (personal and professional matters) for you and your family
• Comprehensive leave policy covering all important life moments (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, etc.)  
   

About the Simandou Project
The Simandou Iron Ore Project is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. It is Africa’s largest infrastructure and mining project and represents one of the largest known reserves of high-grade iron ore in the world.

Rio Tinto holds rights to Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 through SimFer, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). Construction of the mine, together with the associated rail and port infrastructure, is well underway with first production from the SimFer mine expected in 2025.

About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a global leader in the mining and materials companies. We are established in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and the prosperity of people, communities, and nations. We have been in business for 150 years, drawing on knowledge accumulated over generations and on different continents. Our mission – to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs – guides us in our quest for innovation and continuous improvement, with the goal of making products that are low in emissions and meet the right environmental, social and governance standards. But because we can't do it alone, we focus on creating partnerships that allow us to solve problems, create mutually beneficial situations and seize opportunities.

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