Senior Adviser Contracts

About the role

Rio Tinto Exploration is looking for a Senior Adviser for Contracts to join its Operations & Logistics team and help build a clear, proactive approach to end-to-end contract management. The role takes ownership of early planning, contracting strategy, tendering, negotiation, award, administration, renewal and close-out, so exploration programs can secure the services they need without avoidable delays. It is a permanent position based in Perth or Brisbane with hybrid working.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of multiple contracts, from forward planning and strategy through tendering, award, administration, renewal and close-out.
• Partner with exploration managers, project leads, geoscientists and field specialists to turn drilling, earthworks, logistics and other operational requirements into clear scopes of work and contract packages.
• Prepare and coordinate requests for proposals, tender documentation, evaluations, approval submissions, recommendations and service agreements.
• Coordinate supplier engagement and commercial negotiations with Legal, Commercial and Procurement, managing contractual, commercial and delivery risk within delegated authority.
• Maintain forward visibility of demand, milestones, renewals, expiry dates and emerging constraints.
• Administer variations, extensions, claims, disputes, supplier performance issues and close-out actions, and support contract owners in acting on their obligations.
• Maintain complete and auditable contract registers, Landfolio records, dashboards and approved repositories.
• Build relationships with senior internal stakeholders, contractors and suppliers, and identify practical improvements to delivery and commercial outcomes.

Required profile

• Demonstrated ability to manage contracts across the full lifecycle, including strategy, scope development, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, award, administration and close-out.
• Substantial experience in contracts, procurement, commercial management, category management or project delivery in a complex, multi-site or multi-region environment.
• A qualification in commerce, business, law, procurement, supply chain, contract management, project management or a related discipline, or substantial equivalent practical experience.
• Strong written communication, commercial judgement and stakeholder engagement, able to work independently and partner with senior leaders, Legal, Procurement and suppliers.
• Commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.

Helpful for success

• Experience in exploration, mining, oil and gas, civil, technology or project-based operations across multiple sites or jurisdictions.
• Experience with Landfolio or similar contract, procurement, workflow or records-management systems.
• Experience mentoring others, improving contract governance or building portfolio-level reporting, renewal forecasting and assurance processes.

What we offer

• Competitive base salary with an annual incentive program.
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family.
• Share ownership plan, company-provided insurance and salary sacrifice and packaging options.
• Career development and education assistance, and family-friendly wellbeing support.
• Vacation, paid parental, sick and cultural leave, and employee discounts.