Manager Technical Services

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 Manager Technical Services is responsible for leading the technical functions that support safe, efficient, and sustainable mining operations. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across mine planning, drill and blast, geotechnical, hydrogeology, survey, ventilation (where applicable), mine projects, and operational improvement initiatives. The position ensures that mining activities are supported by robust technical standards, accurate forecasting, effective risk management, and continuous improvement practices to achieve production, safety, and cost objectives. 

Key Responsibilities 

Technical Leadership 

• Lead and manage the Technical Services team, ensuring alignment with operational and business objectives. 

• Establish and maintain technical standards, governance frameworks, and engineering best practices. 

• Provide expert technical advice to Mining, Processing, Maintenance, and Project teams. 

• Ensure compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice. 

Mine Planning & Scheduling 

• Oversee short, medium, and long-term mine planning processes. 

• Ensure production schedules support annual business plans and life-of-mine strategies. 

• Monitor mining performance and provide recommendations to optimize productivity and resource recovery. 

• Review and approve mine designs, development plans, and production forecasts. 

Geotechnical, Hydrogeology & Survey 

• Ensure geotechnical risks are identified, monitored, and appropriately managed. 

• Oversee pit slope design, ground control management, dewatering strategies, and monitoring programs. 

• Manage mine survey activities to ensure accurate spatial data and mining compliance. 

• Provide technical assurance for geological and hydrogeological models. 

Drill & Blast Optimisation 

• Lead drill and blast strategies to maximise fragmentation, productivity, safety, and cost effectiveness. 

• Review blast performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Collaborate closely with Operations to improve downstream mining and processing outcomes. 

Operational Improvement 

• Drive operational excellence initiatives using data-driven decision making. 

• Identify opportunities to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve asset utilisation. 

• Develop and implement continuous improvement programs across technical disciplines. 

• Support innovation and technology adoption initiatives. 

Budget & Resource Management 

• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets. 

• Monitor expenditure and ensure effective utilisation of resources. 

• Support capital project evaluations, studies, and business case development. 

• Manage external consultants and technical contractors where required. 

Leadership & Capability Development 

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of technical professionals. 

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on safety, collaboration, and accountability. 

• Support localisation and workforce capability development initiatives. 

• Drive succession planning and talent development within the Technical Services function. 

Safety, Health & Environment 

• Champion a strong safety culture and visible safety leadership. 

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and community obligations. 

• Lead risk assessments and ensure technical risks are appropriately controlled. 

• Promote sustainable mining practices and responsible resource management. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline. 

• Significant experience in open pit and/or underground mining operations. 

• Proven experience leading Technical Services functions within a large-scale mining environment 

• Strong knowledge of mine planning, drill and blast, geotechnical engineering, and operational improvement.Experience with mine planning and technical software (Deswik, Vulcan, MineSched, Datamine, Leapfrog or similar).Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent professional accreditation. 

• Postgraduate qualifications in Mining Engineering, Business, or Project Management. 

• Experience in large greenfield mining projects and operational readiness activities. 

• Experience working in Africa and multicultural environments.

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.