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
The
Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for ensuring that new projects, assets, or operational changes are fully prepared to transition smoothly into steady-state operations. This role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of all operational readiness activities—from procedures and systems to staffing, training, commissioning, and risk management. The Operations Readiness Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the organization can safely, efficiently, and sustainably operate new facilities or processes from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Implementation and Enhancement of the Operational Readiness plan for the project
- Define scope, timelines, deliverables, and success criteria for the readiness program.
- Coordinate readiness reviews, stage‑gate processes, and compliance assessments.
- Work closely with Engineering, Construction, HSE, HR, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops to ensure alignment on operational needs.
- Act as the main interface between project delivery teams and operations teams.
- Ensure critical SOPs, work instructions, emergency response plans, and maintenance strategies are developed and validated.
- Validate that all operational documentation is complete and approved.
- Define operational organizational structure and manpower requirements.
- Lead competency assessments, training plans, onboarding, and certification for the operations team.
- Ensure training programs meet regulatory and organizational standards.
- Facilitate smooth handover from construction/ commissioning to operations
- Conduct readiness audits, risk assessments, and mitigation planning.
- Ensure spare parts, tools, consumables, and materials are in place for start‑up.
- Establish KPIs for readiness and track progress.
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with HSE, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead post‑start-up reviews and implement lessons learned.
- Optimize operational readiness frameworks for future projects.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Project Management, or related field is preferred
- 10+ years in operations, commissioning/start-up, asset management, or project delivery.
- Experience in mining operations and large capital projects
- Strong understanding of Operational Readiness frameworks and commissioning processes.
- Excellent project management and coordination skills.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Familiarity with Asset management principals and CMMS (preferable SAP)
- Strong knowledge of HSE principles and risk management.
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.
