Area Manager, Process and Materials Handling – Kangwinan Project

Play a key leadership role in Rio Tinto’s Kangwinan Project

Oversee the design and execution of major process and materials handling infrastructure

Join a supportive team environment that values innovation, safety, and continuous improvement

Brisbane based with regular travel, then site based on a 2 weeks on / 1 week off roster during the execution phase

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Area Manager, Process and Materials Handling to join the Rio Tinto Projects team and lead the engineering and execution planning for a major remote project in northern Queensland, the Kangwinan Project.

The Kangwinan Project is a proposed expansion of Rio Tinto’s Amrun bauxite operations in Cape York, Queensland. Named by the Wik Waya Traditional Owners, the project aims to nearly double current production by developing a new mining hub and enhancing port infrastructure. With early works underway and over 800 construction jobs anticipated, Kangwinan is a key part of Rio Tinto’s long-term growth strategy in Australia.

Reporting to the General Manager – Projects, you will oversee the delivery of critical process and materials handling infrastructure—including primary crushers, beneficiation plants, overland conveyors, and export systems. You will manage engineering packages from scope definition through to detailed design and execution, ensuring alignment with Rio Tinto’s standards and delivery excellence. This role involves close collaboration with EPCM partners, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

A strong commitment to safety, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship

Proven experience in project management or engineering on large-scale mining or industrial projects

Expertise in the design, construction, and commissioning of process and materials handling facilities

Demonstrated leadership in managing engineering performance and contractor engagement

Experience with offshore engineering, procurement, and fabrication processes

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

A collaborative mindset and ability to drive continuous improvement and innovation

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

The ability to travel internationally on a regular basis

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 situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

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.

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.

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