We are embarking on an ambitious journey to significantly enhance and accelerate the delivery of transformative innovation programmes at Rio Tinto.
These initiatives aim to address some of the most pressing challenges and strategic risks facing our business, while unlocking multi-billion-dollar opportunities that will shape the future of our industry.
About the role The Head of Innovation Programme Delivery is responsible for driving the execution of large-scale innovation programmes across the Group.
This individual will oversee cross-functional teams, driving the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, optimising processes, and ensuring projects align with strategic objectives.
As a part of the Innovation, Science, and Technology Group, this role combines a strong understanding of the metals and mining industry with expertise in innovation management and delivery of transformation programmes.
Reporting directly to the Chief Innovation Officer, key responsibilities of the role include: Programme Leadership: Shape the overarching vision, strategy, and value proposition for each programme.
Partner with Programme Directors and leverage ISTG capabilities and partnerships to ensure programmes are aligned with Rio Tinto's long-term objectives, driving impactful and sustainable outcomes from conception to execution.
Programme Definition and Delivery: Collaborate closely with programme teams and the Innovation Leadership team to identify key pillars and pathways to achieve strategic goals.
Build comprehensive portfolios, identifying gaps and opportunities for innovation, including scope and business case development.
Create execution roadmaps considering interdependencies and sequencing to ensure effective delivery.
Funding & Resource Allocation: Implement stage-gating, portfolio optimisation and prioritisation process to ensure resources are allocated efficiently within, and across various, innovation programmes – maximising value delivery (financial and non-financial) for the Group.
Performance Tracking and Accountability: Establish and track key performance metrics to measure success.
Ensure clear accountability at every stage of programme delivery, enabling Programme Directors to meet their commitments.
Identify risks and roadblocks related to programme execution; implement mitigation strategies to ensure all programmes stay on track.
Change Management: Work closely with R&D community, engineering office, PG, legal and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and methodologies.
Drive organisational change initiatives, fostering a culture of adaptability, bias towards execution, and continuous improvement.
What you'll bring A tertiary qualification in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field; MBA or related experience preferred.
Proven experience managing large-scale transformation programmes or projects, ideally with a budget of $100M or more.
Strong cross-functional background with deep understanding of technology delivery, strategy development, business evaluation and capital project processes.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and drive cross-functional collaboration.
Visionary thinking with a passion for innovation and technology delivery.
Senior leadership experience with strong influencing and negotiation skills – able to balance short-term improvements with long-term value, ensuring line managers take ownership while driving ambitious, timely results.
Delivery focused in driving the integration of cutting edge and existing technologies and the knowledge to balance where existing technologies can be an option or new technologies need to be introduced.
Proven transformational technology development experience; familiarity with industry technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics, and data analytics.
Experience working with project protocols and procedures to optimise decision making, record keeping, control of costs and team communications.
Understanding and empathy towards community and social performance imperatives.
Team management experience, ensuring the team operates in line with Rio Tinto's company values.
Risk management, commercial awareness, business analysis & reporting, financial & operational/ business knowledge.