Manager, Strategic Programs & Partnerships – Copper Innovation

Rio Tinto•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

This is a high-profile and strategically important leadership role within Copper Innovation. You will operate at the intersection of technology, strategy, and execution turning opportunity into funded, governed, and delivered outcomes. Reporting to the General Manager, Innovation & Technology Systems, you will: Lead strategic R&D programs from concept through demonstration and execution. Own and manage external partnerships with government agencies, universities, national laboratories, startups, and technology providers. Shape proposals, letters of support, and collaborative submissions. Sponsor and oversee multiple R&D programs and projects ensuring governance, risk, and assurance compliance. Build strong internal stakeholder relationships across R&D, operations, legal, and commercial teams. Lead, mentor, and develop technical and project professionals.

Requirements

Proven experience leading complex R&D, technology, or innovation programs, ranging from early phase technology assessment through to piloting and demonstration.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and prioritize technologies, considering integration constraints, operability/maintainability, safety and environmental risk, and overall value/ROI.
Strong capability managing senior internal and external stakeholders, including alignment across legal, commercial, technical, and operations teams.
Experience shaping and negotiating commercial and partnership agreements (e.g., NDAs, MOUs, joint development/collaboration agreements, sponsored research, and technology evaluation agreements) in collaboration with Legal and Commercial.
Experience with intellectual property (IP) strategy and management (e.g., invention disclosure, freedom-to-operate awareness, licensing, background/foreground IP, and confidentiality).
Experience working with government agencies, research institutions, consortia and other complex partnerships.
Sound judgment navigating ambiguity and technical complexity.
A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence without authority.
Degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical discipline.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic R&D programs from concept through demonstration and execution.
Own and manage external partnerships with government agencies, universities, national laboratories, startups, and technology providers.
Shape proposals, letters of support, and collaborative submissions.
Sponsor and oversee multiple R&D programs and projects ensuring governance, risk, and assurance compliance.
Build strong internal stakeholder relationships across R&D, operations, legal, and commercial teams.
Lead, mentor, and develop technical and project professionals.

Benefits

Be recognized for your contributions, innovative thinking and dedication, and leave each day knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
Attractive share ownership plan
Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family
Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges