About the role
As Principal Advisor WA Communities, you will play a vital role in shaping and strengthening Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s relationship with the Western Australian communities in which we operate and live. You’ll lead a team of Communities and Social Performance (CSP) professionals, working in close partnership with asset leadership, Health Safety Environment & Community teams, and external stakeholders to maintain a strong social licence.
By building trusted relationships in both our Pilbara and regional hub communities, delivering meaningful social investment, and driving strategic initiatives, you will help ensure our work makes a lasting, positive contribution to the sustainability and wellbeing of these communities.
Reporting to the Manager Communities Social Performance (CSP) & Indigenous Support, you will;
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Lead, coach and support a team of CSP professionals, embedding Safe Production Systems principles and driving consistent, high-quality community engagement
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Build and maintain trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, local communities, and key stakeholders across RTIO’s areas of operation
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Deliver core CSP strategic initiatives including town strategies, social investment planning, Indigenous support strategies, and human rights assessments
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Support implementation of global and group-level standards by translating guidance into practical action across the Iron Ore business
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Drive improved Indigenous employment outcomes through targeted initiatives that support attraction and retention
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Implement effective systems, reporting frameworks, and processes to monitor CSP performance, risks, and opportunities at asset level
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Provide expert CSP advice into HSEC strategic programs and contribute to the development of broader stakeholder engagement policy
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Champion a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with internal and external standards, and foster continuous improvement across the CSP function
You’ll Bring
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Strong organisational leadership, with the ability to influence, communicate effectively, and bring curiosity and empathy to complex community matters
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Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, community development, or a related discipline
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Demonstrated expertise in Communities and Social Performance, including experience navigating diverse cultural contexts and community challenges
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Proven ability to build respectful, trust-based relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
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Experience managing projects and delivering results through collaboration in a matrixed or networked organisation
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Deep understanding of community dynamics and the ability to translate local knowledge into meaningful engagement and outcomes
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A background in mining, resources, construction, utilities, or similar sectors with experience in community-facing or stakeholder roles
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A collaborative, inclusive approach with a commitment to sustainable development and shared value creation
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.
JOB_POSTING-3-7589
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, 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 and meet opportunities.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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 who we are.
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Our application process
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.