Principal Advisor WA Communities
Rio Tinto
About the role
As Principal Advisor WA Communities, you will play a vital role in shaping and strengthening Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s relationship with the Western Australian communities in which we operate and live. You’ll lead a team of Communities and Social Performance (CSP) professionals, working in close partnership with asset leadership, Health Safety Environment & Community teams, and external stakeholders to maintain a strong social licence.
By building trusted relationships in both our Pilbara and regional hub communities, delivering meaningful social investment, and driving strategic initiatives, you will help ensure our work makes a lasting, positive contribution to the sustainability and wellbeing of these communities.
Reporting to the Manager Communities Social Performance (CSP) & Indigenous Support, you will;
Lead, coach and support a team of CSP professionals, embedding Safe Production Systems principles and driving consistent, high-quality community engagement
Build and maintain trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, local communities, and key stakeholders across RTIO’s areas of operation
Deliver core CSP strategic initiatives including town strategies, social investment planning, Indigenous support strategies, and human rights assessments
Support implementation of global and group-level standards by translating guidance into practical action across the Iron Ore business
Drive improved Indigenous employment outcomes through targeted initiatives that support attraction and retention
Implement effective systems, reporting frameworks, and processes to monitor CSP performance, risks, and opportunities at asset level
Provide expert CSP advice into HSEC strategic programs and contribute to the development of broader stakeholder engagement policy
Champion a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with internal and external standards, and foster continuous improvement across the CSP function
You’ll Bring
Strong organisational leadership, with the ability to influence, communicate effectively, and bring curiosity and empathy to complex community matters
Tertiary qualifications in social sciences, community development, or a related discipline
Demonstrated expertise in Communities and Social Performance, including experience navigating diverse cultural contexts and community challenges
Proven ability to build respectful, trust-based relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Experience managing projects and delivering results through collaboration in a matrixed or networked organisation
Deep understanding of community dynamics and the ability to translate local knowledge into meaningful engagement and outcomes
A background in mining, resources, construction, utilities, or similar sectors with experience in community-facing or stakeholder roles
A collaborative, inclusive approach with a commitment to sustainable development and shared value creation #gts
About Rio TintoRio 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.
Every Voice MattersAt Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.
