Business Excellence Principal Advisor

About the role

We are looking for a forward-thinking improvement leader who is passionate about unlocking potential across people, processes, and performance. In this role, you will guide high-impact business improvement efforts, strengthen governance, and elevate how teams approach change and problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring all improvement initiatives prioritize the wellbeing of employees and align with site safety standards
• Identify and unlock business potential through structured analysis, benchmarking, and opportunity assessment
• Lead and support strategic improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, cost performance, and operational discipline
• Drive effective change management, helping teams successfully adopt new ways of working and sustain results
• Coach leaders and change agents to build capability in problem solving, continuous improvement, and project delivery
• Build strong relationships across the business to influence outcomes and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration
• Manage and align Strategic Initiative Office workstreams to ensure priorities deliver measurable value
• Apply Lean tools and methodologies to standardize processes, eliminate waste, and improve efficiency
• Strengthen governance and quality assurance across improvement projects to ensure consistency, rigor, and results

What You’ll Bring

• Commitment to safety and the ability to integrate safe practices into all business improvement activities
• Strong analytical capability, including experience using data and statistical methods to solve complex problems
• Proven ability to influence and lead without authority, partnering effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Demonstrated experience in business improvement, transformation, or project management in a complex environment
• Skilled in change management, including coaching leaders and guiding teams through transformation
• Ability to simplify complexity, communicate clearly, and translate strategy into actionable plans
• Experience applying Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies
• Strong relationship-building skills with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style

What We Offer

• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
• A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive. We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities. Respect and Inclusion Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.