Manager, Business Improvement

Rio Tinto • Kitimat, BC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our global leading business offering outstanding personal development. Key member of the site’s senior leadership team, shaping strategy and driving business performance. This permanent, full-time, role is based in Kitimat, BC. The perfect place to live and work, combining the tranquility of a small community with an unrivaled love for the great outdoors. We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other. About the role We are looking for a Business Improvement Manager to shape and lead improvement and transformation across our operations and support functions. As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll build internal capability, lead a team of improvement professionals, and embed Lean and continuous improvement ways of working that strengthen discipline, problem-solving, and accountability. This is a great opportunity for a strategic and hands-on leader to bring structure and alignment to a complex aluminum smelter and hydro power operation, owning the site’s operating rhythm, strengthening how we plan and execute, and ensuring consistency across systems, processes, and performance management. While we don’t offer fly-in-fly-out arrangements, we do offer relocation assistance, to help you settle in and thrive. Join us and become an integral part of our vibrant community. Located on British Columbia, Canada's northwest coast, Kitimat is a welcoming, family‑friendly community set between the mountains and the sea. Known for its strong local economy, modern amenities, short commutes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s an ideal place to build both a career and a life. Reporting to the General Manager and working in a collaborative community within the Senior Leadership Team, you will be working Monday to Friday and:

Requirements

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex challenges, facilitate discussions with others, and contribute to delivery.
• Experience coaching, guiding, or supporting teams in the use of business improvement tools, with a focus on building capability and strengthening problem-solving across teams.
• At least 10 years of practical experience applying Lean principles within continuous or process-based operations (e.g., manufacturing, mining, metals, energy, chemicals) or similar complex industrial environments.

Nice To Haves

• If you are excited about the role and think you have what it takes but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Leading by example in safety and compliance, ensuring adherence to all Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations, standards, and Rio Tinto’s safety culture.
• Leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing Business Improvement team, building capability and strengthening problem-solving across the site.
• Owning the site’s operating rhythm, including business planning, performance reviews, and integrated cadence, ensuring alignment across teams and priorities.
• Defining and managing the site’s improvement portfolio, supporting leaders to identify, prioritise, and deliver initiatives that improve performance.
• Maintaining and strengthening consistent systems, standards, and governance for how work gets done, including performance tracking, planning tools, and change control processes.
• Partnering with operational and functional leaders to solve complex, cross-functional challenges, supporting structured problem-solving and translating priorities into practical action.
• Designing and embedding Lean and continuous improvement practices that improve safety, reliability, cost, and overall site performance.
• Coaching and supporting leaders and teams in applying improvement practices, building capability and strengthening day-to-day ways of working.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance
• Base salary range for this role is $151,760 - $227,640 CAD
• Allowances, bonus, equity, health or retirement benefits, and any other discretionary benefits offered at Rio Tinto.
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
• Exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager