Project Lead | Electrical (Power & Automation Projects)

Chandler Macleod; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Tinto Aluminium – Pacific Operations is seeking a Project Lead – Electrical through Chandler Macleod for a Brisbane-based, hybrid role. You will lead electrical projects across full lifecycle, engage contractors, manage budgets and schedules, and collaborate with internal teams to deliver safe, high‑quality outcomes.

Travel to Australian sites may be required. The role reports to the Manager – Power & Automation Projects and emphasizes safety, governance and operational excellence within a

Qualifications

• Proven electrical engineering and project delivery experience in industrial and/or infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards and electrical safety legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and navigate scope/commercial challenges.
• High-quality written skills (scopes of work, technical documentation, reporting, business cases).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Dedication to everyone’s safety.
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical and other testing.
• Willingness to travel to site locations across Australia on an ad-hoc basis as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead sustaining capital electrical projects across the full lifecycle (Order of Magnitude, Pre-Feasibility, Feasibility, Execution).
• Develop and control scopes of work for electrical plant and equipment; support tenders, evaluations and award recommendations.
• Manage contractors and conduct detailed technical reviews of deliverables against standards, specifications and site requirements.
• Build cost estimates, manage forecasts and deliver projects to approved budgets and governance requirements.
• Develop and maintain schedules, monitor progress, and manage technical/commercial change throughout delivery.
• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders and site teams to ensure safe, high-quality outcomes across multiple Australian operations.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Project delivery

Australian Standards

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Safety

Travel readiness

Pre-employment medical

Job description

About the Opportunity

Rio Tinto is a global mining and materials company operating in 35 countries, producing the materials essential to modern life. Their operations are built on safety, innovation, inclusion and creating value for communities, customers and shareholders.

Through Rio Tinto's partnership with Chandler Macleod, we are seeking an experienced Project Lead – Electrical for Rio Tinto Aluminium (Pacific Operations) – Operational & Digital Systems | Power & Automation Projects.

Offered on a Brisbane-based (residential/hybrid) basis, this opportunity offers the chance to work within a leading global organisation, contributing to key operational and business outcomes. Working a full‑time (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday) arrangement, you'll join a supportive team focused on safety, collaboration and delivering operational excellence.

Reporting to the Manager – Power & Automation Projects, you'll use your skills and experience to support business priorities, collaborate with key stakeholders and contribute to the success of the operation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead sustaining capital electrical projects across the full lifecycle (Order of Magnitude, Pre-Feasibility, Feasibility, Execution)
• Develop and control scopes of work for electrical plant and equipment; support tenders, evaluations and award recommendations
• Manage contractors and conduct detailed technical reviews of deliverables against standards, specifications and site requirements
• Build cost estimates, manage forecasts and deliver projects to approved budgets and governance requirements
• Develop and maintain schedules, monitor progress, and manage technical/commercial change throughout delivery
• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders and site teams to ensure safe, high-quality outcomes across multiple Australian operations (e.g., Weipa, Amrun, Boyne Smelters)

About You

• Proven electrical engineering and project delivery experience in industrial and/or infrastructure environments
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards and electrical safety legislation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and navigate scope/commercial challenges
• High-quality written skills (scopes of work, technical documentation, reporting, business cases)
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Dedication to everyone’s safety
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical and other testing
• Willingness to travel to site locations across Australia on an ad-hoc basis as required

Why Join Chandler Macleod?

Chandler Macleod is one of Australia's most experienced workforce partners. You’ll receive a competitive hourly pay range paid weekly, superannuation on all hours worked, access to our Employee Assistance Program, a dedicated Chandler-Rio Tinto support team, simple digital onboarding, and access to future Rio Tinto assignments.

Diversity & Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Chandler Macleod. We believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives and inclusive teams. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, females, neurodiverse people, people living with disability and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Together, we're creating workplaces where people feel they belong, can be themselves and have the opportunity to thrive.