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 Role
We are looking for a HSE Specialist to work closely with the Simfer TSV team and their Contractor(s). The role will provide visible leadership and specialist support on all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) aspects of marine and transshipment operations within the Simandou Port scope.
This role will assist in managing marine and product regulatory risks, and embedding safe work practices for transshipment operations.
This role is central to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient marine operations within the Simfer Project. By combining marine operational knowledge with a practical HSE approach, the role supports Port Operations through the transition from barging to Transshipment Vessel (TSV) operations, maintaining Simfer’s world-class safety and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visible HSES leadership across port and marine operations.
- Partner with the port operations leadership team and contractor teams to enhance HSE capability and accountability.
- Mentor and support HSE professionals and contractor HSE representatives with a focus on Marine operations
- Develop and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships and stakeholder management through collaborative relationships with internal and external i.e. Simfer Port Operations team, CTG Port Operations team, and Transshipment Manager.
- Champion Simfer’s safety culture and fatality prevention programs, for example the Safety Maturity Model (SMM) and Critical Risk Management (CRM).
- Monitor compliance with Simfer’s standards, Guinean regulations, and international maritime conventions (ISM, MARPOL, SOLAS, IMSBC).
- Lead Contractor HSE readiness planning and onboarding processes, ensuring expectations are clear and reflected in Contractor plans and procedures
- Facilitate marine and transshipment risk management activities including hazard identification, control verification and incident prevention.
- Actively promote HSE awareness, safe work practices and compliance with HSE management plans
- Ensure all required permits, JHAs, SWPs and other required processes / tools are completed, understood and utilized
- Develop and implement a suitable verification and assurance program designed to monitor compliance, performance and ensuring we have a safe working environment for employees.
- Ensure all Company or regulatory HSE reporting requirements are accurate and completed on time
- Analyze HSE data identifying trends or emerging risks and developing actions to rectify
- Conduct or facilitate incident investigations for high and critical incidents using root cause analysis methods (such as Taproot, Essential Factor) to ensure effective sustainable controls are put in place to prevent re-occurrence
- As required, liaise with regulatory authorities, classification societies, and contractors to ensure compliance and improvement.
- Support emergency preparedness and response for vessel, oil spill, and transshipment incidents.
- Drive environmental stewardship and compliance with marine protection and waste management requirements.
- Monitor trends and deviations in the HSEC KPI’s for the Transshipment Manager
- Lead audits and inspections to assess Transshipment Manager’s compliance with Simfer’s HSEC policies, procedures and marine regulatory requirements
- Identify HSEC training requirements based on job roles, risk assessments, audit findings and all regulatory obligations. This will include refresher courses, toolbox talks, and scenario based drills to reinforce key concepts
- Other duties as required by the Transshipment Manager or HS Manager .
Qualifications & Experience
- Marine background or qualification (essential) – Marine Operations, Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, or equivalent operational experience working on or around vessels at sea or port/terminal operations.
- HSES qualification (desirable) – Diploma or Degree in Health, Safety, Environment, or Risk Management.
- Frontline Leadership or Management qualification (advantageous).
- ICAM or equivalent incident investigation certification (advantageous).
- Marine safety induction certification (advantageous).
- Experience and technical expertise with contractor management will be highly regarded.
- Working knowledge and practical experience in the implementation of effective management systems and safety programs.
- Significant experience in marine operations, transshipment, or port logistics
- Understanding of vessel operations, barge/TSV/OGV loading and marine risk management.
- Ability to collaborate with vessel crews, marine contractors, and port operators.
- Familiarity with international maritime conventions (ISM, MARPOL, SOLAS).
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience implementing or supporting HSES systems in marine or mining settings.
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.