District Operations Supervisor --Johannesburg, Erongo Region-Swakopmund

Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals group, dedicated to the smartest discovery, extraction and processing of the earth's natural resources. From our operations to our community involvement, everything we do is done with the future firmly in mind. We're committed to the most sustainable, most efficient and most forward-looking ways to do business and deliver results. So we reward our employees with a responsible, open and diverse culture of opportunity - a working environment in which they can go further.

Exploration and discovery have been the driving force behind our business for nearly 150 years and the Rio Tinto Exploration (RTX) mandate is to grow our value by discovering or acquiring resources that can increase future cash-flows. The objective in RTX is to discover one Tier 1 resource each year. This is achieved through the effective application of Geoscience techniques and processes, taking account of HSEC, economic, commercial and political factors.

RTX operates as a global, integrated business comprising 4 regional exploration teams, a Project Generation Group and 6 global support teams (Operational Support (OS), HR, Finance & Compliance, HSEC, IS&T and Laboratories). The work environment covers the full spectrum of geographic areas and time zones. It comprises a wide variety of countries, cultures, language groups, environments and jurisdictions. It requires operation in co-located and virtual teams, in field and city locations, supported by effective collaboration, relationships and engagement.

All field activities require an extensive support system. This support must be provided for all scales of exploration activity from the smallest reconnaissance programme to the largest Project of Merit. An opportunity exists for a District Operations Supervisor, based in Johannesburg. The role has an operational focus and reports to the OS Regional Superintendent.

An RTX District comprises either a range of countries or a single complex country with multiple exploration programmes. This role operates at District level, within Southern Africa. It provides dedicated OS across a District and is a direct point of engagement for all related exploration customers.

This role requires skill and competence in the management and oversight of OS teams and in the development and maintenance of field camps, their planning and supervision. Relevant technical expertise is also beneficial. The key focus of the role is to oversee and manage disparate small teams responsible for delivering effective and efficient OS to exploration projects within the District in line with Regional OS/HSEC operating standards.

The primary purpose of this role involves overseeing and taking responsibility for delivery of OS across a District. Prioritising, giving clear direction and managing limited resources are key skill sets required by the incumbent. Included is the requirement to maintain standards and morale and provide a focus for the passage of information both into the project and up to the regional team.

The role includes:

• Managing and directing project OS teams and activity in accordance with priorities highlighted in the RTX Regional Plan
• Managing OS staff including apportionment of tasks, compiling Job Descriptions, hiring, pay, discipline and performance management in line with local labour legislation
• Overseeing equipment and resources including stock management, re-supply and transport from the resupply base and contractual issues concerning any locally contracted work
• Overseeing camp movement, camp maintenance and customs clearance for imported goods
• Managing camp risks including hygiene, hydrocarbon storage and hazardous materials
• Training and coaching skills to develop both team capacity and local capacity
• Managing project-related OS budgets
• Setting the standards in terms of compliant OS practices and the maintenance of full HSEC
• Compliance across the District.

To be considered for this role it is essential you have the ability to travel to remote locations for work, have extensive experience in managing camps and teams in local conditions, and:

• A tertiary qualification in an OS related field or prior professional experience of which 3 years preferably are in the resource sector in a field/operational role.
• Supervisor training or an equivalent is preferable. OS experience at Project level is highly recommended.
• Experience operating in arduous conditions and/or in remote sites.
• Experience of working in a multicultural environment:
  • Language skills in-line with local requirements
  • Experience of managing teams in remote locations
  • Experience of working with local officials
• Awareness of exploration practices in order to be able to make informed judgments and give sound advice on OS issues and practical solutions.
• Broad understanding of OS issues in order to advise staff or call in experts where necessary.
• Proficient in systems implementation and management.
• Building local capacity in the workforce, e.g. selecting, training and coaching staff.
• Well developed communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• A local driving licence highly recommended.

Adverts close on Sunday 16 September. Please note this position is based in Johannesburg.

Please note that this role is subject to Rio Tinto's Pre-employment Screening Standard and may require your consent for Criminal Record and Credit Checks. An Occupational Health Assessment is necessary

District Operations Supervisor -Full-time SA-JHN-Johannesburg, NAM-Erongo Region-Swakopmund