• Lead a high-performing Operational Planning team responsible for delivering safe, efficient and optimised mine planning outcomes that support production targets and operational performance.
• Influence mine planning, productivity, scheduling and survey activities while developing future capability and strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
• Enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Pilbara at Yandi, contributing to one of the world's largest integrated iron ore operations.
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Superintendent Operational Planning to drive and deliver safe, reliable and efficient mine planning outcomes. Reporting to the Manager Mining, you will lead the site Operational Planning team and provide technical Mine Engineering and Survey support as part of the operation team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys leading technical teams, influencing production outcomes and driving continuous improvement in a complex operational environment.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Manager Mining and working within the Mining team, you will be:
• Lead and develop the Operational Planning team, fostering a strong safety culture, technical excellence and high levels of engagement.
• Coordinate mine planning, scheduling, productivity and survey activities to support short and medium-term operational objectives.
• Drive alignment between shift plans, production activities and operational priorities to deliver safe and efficient outcomes.
• Provide technical mine engineering guidance and assurance across planning, drill and blast, load and haul and survey activities.
• Monitor operational risks and implement controls through established governance and assurance processes.
• Partner with production, geoscience, mine water management, drill and blast and scheduling teams to optimise mining performance and productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning effectiveness, operational efficiency and team capability.
• Manage workforce planning, performance, budget outcomes and stakeholder engagement across the Operational Planning function.
About you
We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every “helpful for success” item to apply; if you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for Success
• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Demonstrated experience leading mine planning, scheduling, engineering or operational technical teams within mining or another large-scale operational environment.
• Experience developing and executing mine plans while balancing safety, productivity and operational performance outcomes.
• Strong understanding of Mine Engineering, Survey, Scheduling and production planning principles.
• Experience influencing multiple stakeholders and coordinating work across operational and technical teams.
• A relevant qualification in Mining Engineering, Surveying, Geoscience or a related discipline and a current Western Australian C Class Driver’s Licence (Manual).
Helpful for Success
• Experience supporting autonomous or highly integrated mining operations.
• Experience in Drill and Blast, Load and Haul or short-term mine planning environments.
• Exposure to operational improvement, productivity benchmarking and risk management processes.
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, personal & cultural leave)
· Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
· Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you'll be working
Located approximately 95km northwest of Newman in the East Pilbara, Yandicoogina is one of Australia's highest-producing iron ore mines. The site produces unique Hamersley Iron Yandi (HIY) fines and operates a fleet of autonomous haul trucks and drills, supporting efficient and safe operations.
Yandicoogina is recognised for its strong culture of teamwork, safety, and innovation, with a pioneering spirit. The mine supports a fly-in fly-out workforce from multiple regional hubs, including Perth, Busselton, and Derby – enhancing accessibility and community engagement across Western Australia.
Applications for this role will close on Wednesday 9th September 2026.
#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.
Respect and Inclusion
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ 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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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 LGBTQ+ 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.
Start your application
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
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
- 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.