Engineering Manager- 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

RioTinto; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Tinto is hiring an Engineering Manager for a two-year fixed-term contract in Richards Bay. The role involves overseeing engineering functions, ensuring project integrity and governance, and leading a safety-focused team in a collaborative environment. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and extensive experience in mining projects, particularly in South Africa.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant engineering management experience, ideally on major mining projects.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent.
• Experience with Mineral Sands operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering design integrity and project delivery.
• Conduct safety, environmental, and governance risk assessments.
• Oversee engineering services to meet schedules and budget.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Honours preferred

Job description

Engineering Manager - 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

• Join our globally leading business offering outstanding personal development and international career opportunities.
• Fixed-term role, 2 years (with a possibility of extension).
• Role based in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), KZN.
• Part of a safety-driven group that values inclusion.

We are seeking a Fixed Term Engineering Manager to join the Rio Tinto team. As the Engineering Manager, you will act as the Rio Tinto Owner’s Representative, managing the completion of detailed design and providing engineering support during field execution for the production of heavy mineral concentrate at Richards Bay Minerals, South Africa. The project includes a minerals processing facility connected to utilities supporting its operation.

You will lead the engineering function within an integrated team. The role reports to the Rio Tinto Project Director, with functional reporting to Rio Tinto’s Engineering Management Lead.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Applying disciplined Engineering Management governance as per the project delivery framework.
2. Managing the technical integrity of the engineering design, leveraging subject matter experts and third-party specialists.
3. Reviewing key deliverables and actively participating in reviews and workshops, focusing on value-based project objectives.
4. Ensuring comprehensive safety, environmental, social, and governance risk assessments are conducted, documented, and understood.
5. Overseeing engineering design to meet environmental, social, and governance standards and commitments.
6. Managing interfaces with the Owner’s team, fostering collaborative relationships to meet business goals.
7. Monitoring and managing the performance of engineering service providers to ensure timely delivery within budget and plan, prioritizing construction schedules.
8. Leading with Rio Tinto values and a Zero Harm approach.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Honours preferred.
2. Professional registration with ECSA (Pr.Eng) or equivalent, or eligibility to register.
3. 15+ years of relevant experience in Engineering Management, ideally on major mining projects (> $300M), especially in South Africa or similar contexts.
4. Experience in Mineral Sands operations, including dry mining and tailings systems.
5. Proven ability to operate across functions and geographies within a matrixed team environment.
6. Commitment to safe, ethical, and sustainable project delivery.
7. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trust.

About Rio Tinto:

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company operating in 35 countries, producing essential materials for the energy transition and societal development. With 150 years of mining experience, our purpose is to find innovative ways to supply the materials the world needs, emphasizing low emissions and high standards in environmental, social, and governance practices. We believe in partnerships, diversity, and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives each individual brings.

Every Voice Matters:

We are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. We believe that diversity enhances our success and strengthens our teams.