Manager Performance, Improvement, Risk & Systems

About the role  

As Manager Performance, Improvement, Risk & Systems, you will play a critical leadership role within Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Health, Safety, Environment and Communities (HSEC) function. You will be responsible for driving system-wide improvements, embedding strategic planning processes, and enhancing the effectiveness of risk, performance, and assurance frameworks across the business. This role is central to integrating HSEC systems with operational execution, influencing cultural transformation, and ensuring alignment with RTIO’s ambition to be the Best Operator.  

With a strong focus on strategic leadership, digital enablement, and cross-functional collaboration, you’ll guide the function toward high-impact, sustainable outcomes. Reporting to the Vice President, HSEC, you will; 

• Support the HSEC Leadership Team’s journey to embed a strong values-based performance culture by culture and performance through teams better collaborating and operating as an integrated system between themselves and the wider RTIO organisation. 

• Lead the development, integration, and enhancement of HSEC systems and processes that drive operational excellence across RTIO 

• Embed the HSEC Annual Plan and Rio Tinto’s Safe Production System practices (cascaded priorities, integrated cadences, problem solving, improvement) to support cohesive planning, prioritisation, and execution across the function. 

• Support the Annual Planning Review process and drive alignment between strategy, planning, and performance cycles 

• Define and coordinate HSEC work drivers with divisional General Managers, ensuring integration across business units and functions 

• Oversee risk analysis, assurance, and governance activities, supporting effective risk management and regulatory compliance 

• Drive the First Line of Defence program and guide risk reduction through structured frameworks and performance monitoring 

• Lead the development and implementation of the HSEC Digital Strategy, including continued Enablon adoption and system enhancements 

• Manage and develop the Risk, Systems & Performance teams, ensuring capability, coordination, and delivery against HSEC objectives 

You’ll Bring 

• Experience in performance and business improvement, gained within a similar industrial environment 

• Strong project management skills and a strategic mindset, with the ability to see the big picture and drive meaningful outcomes 

• In-depth understanding of risk management and assurance processes within complex operational settings 

• Inclusive and people-centred leadership, with a track record of enabling high-performing, diverse teams, preferably in an operational environment 

• Ability to translate strategic and business requirements into practical, effective solutions in an operational context 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to partner across multiple levels of the organisation 

• Proven capability to influence, lead change and shift mindsets, supporting cultural and operational transformation 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment 

• A systems-thinking approach underpinned by strong analytical and reporting capabilities 

• Understanding of mining operations and sustainability, ideally with experience in heavy industry or manufacturing 

• Experience developing and embedding integrated planning, work management and performance systems in complex, matrixed organisations