QRDC Superintendent

QRDC Superintendent

• Join an encouraging leadership group, committed to your growth and development.
• Diverse & challenging projects
• Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. 

We are seeking a Superintendent for the Queensland Research and Development Centre (QRDC) to be responsible for the management of the QRDC laboratory operations, based in Gladstone. 

As a key member of the RTA Pacific Operations Technical Development team, you will collaborate closely with discipline experts across the globe to shape and implement research and development projects as they progress from concept to industrial implementation. Every day our leaders grow, and we need you to motivate, inspire and keep your people safe and well.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for technical problem-solving and people? Are you looking for a new, exciting leadership challenge where you can bring new ideas and perspectives? This could be the role for you!

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Technical Development, you will be responsible for the following:

• QRDC project portfolio accountability, with management of the QRDC Research Scientists workflow and projects
• Promoting a safe and secure workplace with HSE and behaviours at the fore of the QRDC teamwork.
• Development and management of QRDC processes, systems and facilities to ensure alignment with Rio Tinto requirements.
• Liaising with customers and service providers (internal and external) to shape and prioritise work to enable quality delivery of laboratory projects for short-term technical support and long-term technical development work
• Working closely with experts in mineral processing and the Bayer process, develop processes at laboratory and pilot scale that can improve the efficiency, quality and contribute to decarbonising the alumina refineries.

What you’ll bring

• A demonstrated commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• A technical background such as BSc (Chemistry), B Eng (Chemical) or similar
• Strong written and verbal communications skills to effectively work with stakeholders
• Experience with laboratory management processes
• A passion for developing your people and enabling their success
• Experience with managing R&D projects and technical teams and working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

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 almost 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 and meet opportunities.

What we offer

Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.

• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
• The option of a 9 Day fortnight or Monday to Friday roster
• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• Attractive share ownership plan
• Company provided insurance cover
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)

Where you’ll be working

With production beginning in 2004 at our Yarwun alumina refinery, located approximately 10 kilometres north-west of Gladstone in Central Queensland, today the operation produces more than three million tonnes of alumina per year.

Around 700 people support the operation, with an additional 350 contractors on site each year as part of scheduled maintenance shutdown activities. Thanks to its ‘Industry 4.0’ focus, Yarwun is also a leader in trialling new technologies to improve operations on site, including 3D printing, robotics and drones in confined spaces, and is home to Rio Tinto’s innovative Queensland Research and Development Centre (QRDC). The QRDC is part of a centralised Technical Services and Assurance function based in Brisbane, so you will also be working with remote teams.

Along with Boyne Smelters Limited and Queensland Alumina Limited, our Yarwun Operation supports the local community in a wide range of initiatives through Here for Gladstone.

Every Voice Matters

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.

At 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.