Manager Business Improvement
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 Business Improvement Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and promoting a culture of operational excellence. This role plays a critical part in embedding Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to optimize processes, improve safety outcomes, and support Rio Tinto’s strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of site/business improvement strategies aligned with Rio Tinto’s global objectives.
Identify, prioritize, and implement improvement opportunities across operations and support functions.
Facilitate structured problem-solving and root cause analysis initiatives.
Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across the organization.
Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs), including productivity, cost efficiency, and asset performance.
Support operational teams in achieving sustainable improvements in performance and reliability.
Partner with operational leaders to promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Influence and coach leadership teams to adopt best practices in process optimization.
Engage cross-functional teams to deliver improvement projects and transformation initiatives.
Lead and manage business improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and generate measurable benefits.
Track and report on value realization and performance improvement outcomes.
Utilize data analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
Develop dashboards and reporting tools to monitor progress and communicate results.
Ensure accurate measurement of project benefits and ROI.
Train and mentor national employees in continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
Build internal capability in Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving techniques.
Promote knowledge sharing and best practice replication across sites.
Ensure all improvement activities align with Rio Tinto’s safety standards and zero-harm philosophy.
Support initiatives that enhance environmental performance and sustainable operations.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Certified Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt / Black Belt preferred).
8–12 years of experience in business improvement, operations, or project management within mining, heavy industry, or similar sectors.
Proven track record of delivering measurable performance improvements.
Strong experience in change management and cultural transformation initiatives.
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.