Technology Development Manager

Technology Development Manager 

• Be part of the new team pioneering the commercialisation of Rio Tinto’s novel Nuton^TM heap leaching technology
• Key role in a diverse and global organization

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We are looking for a Technology Development Manager, to lead the management of Nuton™ technology development, which encompasses the development of R&D and technical modelling programmes.

Nuton is an innovative new venture that aims to help grow Rio Tinto’s copper business. At the core of Nuton is a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capability – a product of almost 30 years of research and development. The Nuton™ technology offers the potential to economically unlock known low-grade copper sulphide resources, copper bearing waste and tailings, and achieve higher copper recoveries on primary copper sulphide material, allowing for a significantly increased copper production outcome. One of the key differentiators of Nuton is the potential to deliver leading environmental performance, including more efficient water usage, lower carbon emissions, and the ability to reclaim mine sites by reprocessing mine waste.

We have technical development programmes that are industry-leading and recognise the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

Reporting to the Nuton Chief Technology Officer and working in a challenging and exciting environment, you will:

• Develop and implement an R&D Strategy and Technology Development roadmap for Nuton, central to Nuton’s technology innovation strategy.
• Build, manage and prioritize a pipeline of technology development projects aiming to further enhance the financial and ESG performance of the Nuton suite of technologies.
• Manage the resource requirements, milestones and schedules of the various technology development projects through idea to implementation.
• Identify and manage external partnerships required to accelerate project progression.
• Manage R&D test work programmes, which includes identification, development and prioritization of the test work and modelling programmes at the internal facility at the Bundoora Technology Development Centre (BTDC) and at external research or commercial organisations.
• Manage the Nuton technical modelling improvement / development initiatives.
• Participate in, or lead technical reviews.
• Support the Nuton Technology Transfer packaging team to develop a well balanced and effective Technology Transfer Package for any of the newly developed technologies.
• Support and actively engage the Nuton Intellectual Property (IP) team.
• Collaborate with the Nuton team that undertakes partner test-work and evaluation work.

What you’ll bring

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Experience in the development and implementation of R&D strategy and innovation programmes
• Proven experience in cross-functional stakeholder management and team leadership.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering - Metallurgical, Chemical, or related field preferred.
• Experience or knowledge of bio-leach processes and bio-reactors, although not essential, will be well regarded
• Experience in leaching processes, but especially copper heap leaching, will be favourable.
• Exposure to data analytics and process modelling
• A minimum of 15-20 years of experience, which includes developing and managing R&D studies and plans, preferably in hydrometallurgical processes.
• Ability to work in multi-functional and multi-disciplinary teams and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization and external vendors and stakeholders.

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 work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• Attractive share ownership plan
• Company provided insurance cover
• Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
• Possible domestic relocation assistance

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 and meet opportunities. 

Where you’ll be working-

This role will be based in Bundoora Victoria.

Every Voice Matters 

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds. 

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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.