Operational Readiness Senior Advisor -Nuton

Operational Readiness Senior Advisor (USA) – Nuton®

• Be part of a pioneering team advancing Rio Tinto's innovative heap leaching venture.
• Drive sustainable solutions while accelerating your career growth.
• Enjoy the unmatched quality of life and work in Utah, ranked #1 overall by U.S. News & World Report for quality of life and work.

About the role

We are seeking an Operational Readiness Senior Advisor to support the consolidation of Nuton™ technology proprietary testwork methods in the United States. 

Reporting to the Technical and Testwork Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the implementation and validation of Nuton technology.  The role will manage and deliver the operational readiness package for setting up a laboratory facility for Nuton in Salt Lake City with the intention of transitioning into a facility manager role as the facility becomes operational.  

Nuton, Rio Tinto’s latest entrepreneurial venture, is a suite of innovative, bio-heap leaching technologies that harness natural processes to unlock new sources of critical metals. Nuton not only pushes the boundaries of copper recovery but also sets a new standard for sustainability in mining. Learn more about Nuton here

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the operational readiness activities for setting up an in-house laboratory in Salt Lake City, UT, ensuring that proprietary internal Nuton™ testwork can be successfully commissioned and run internally in the United States. 
• Identify, recruit and onboard consultants and resources to complete the identified operational readiness activities aligned with the project schedule.
• Identify and implement the required HSEC scope to support operationalization of the Nuton laboratory.
• Plan, facilitate and leverage the results of operational and risk workshops to guide required activities to support laboratory commissioning and operations including developing training packages, safe work instructions, and procurement of critical long lead consumables.
• Develop and get buy-in for the organizational design of the laboratory facility.
• Develop job descriptions, hiring strategy and complete hiring for the laboratory team with input from the technical support and HR functions.
• Develop and endorse the laboratory operating cost model with input from the technical support and finance functions.
• Identify key contractors required to support laboratory operations and facilitate placement of contracts in time to start operations.

What you’ll bring

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Exposure to US or Utah regulatory requirements around laboratory operations.
• Experience in laboratory set-up or laboratory management, preferably in a metallurgical setting.
• Projects-based operational readiness experience will be highly regarded.  
• Strong problem-solving ability incorporating troubleshooting of technical and complex issues.
• Ability to work in multi-functional and multi-disciplinary teams and influence others to achieve desired outcomes in a complex project setting.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization and external contractors and stakeholders.

Benefits offered:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement options that include a 6% company contribution to a defined plan, 401(k) matching, and a share ownership program.
• Generous time-off opportunities include paid time off, holidays, bereavement leave, and four months of parental leave for all parents.
• Comprehensive health plans covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and additional voluntary benefits.
• Access to wellness initiatives, including employee discounts and an employee assistance program for confidential support.

Where you’ll be working

The role will be based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

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

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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