Manager, Tailings and Water

Rio Tinto•Superior, AZ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Manager, Tailings and Water to provide strategic leadership, governance, and technical stewardship of tailings and water management for the Resolution Copper in Superior, Arizona. Reporting to the General Manager Technical Studies - Americas, this role is accountable for ensuring tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and water management systems are designed and managed safely, sustainably, and in compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice. The role acts as a key subject matter expert, supporting operational excellence, risk reduction, and long-term value creation while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental performance, community engagement and social responsibility.

Requirements

Degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining, Environmental, Water Resources Engineering, or related discipline.
Valid driver’s license.
Significant experience in tailings management, dam safety, water resources/management, mining operations, or related infrastructure.
Experience working within large, complex mining or resource organizations.
Strong understanding of tailings and water governance frameworks, environmental compliance, and risk management systems.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing specialist consultants.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer registration (PE, P.Eng., CPEng, or equivalent) preferred.
Advanced qualifications in geotechnical engineering, tailings, hydrogeology and water management are advantageous.

Responsibilities

Champion a culture of safety, care, courage, and curiosity across tailings and water management team.
Ensure critical controls are identified, implemented, monitored, and verified for tailings and water management related risks.
Promote disciplined study and operational practices.
Provide governance and oversight for tailings storage facilities throughout their lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, monitoring, closure, and post-closure.
Ensure compliance with Rio Tinto standards, GISTM, regulatory requirements, and industry frameworks.
Lead reviews of facility performance, risk assessments, surveillance programs, and dam safety inspections.
Coordinate independent technical review activities and Engineer of Record engagements.
Develop and maintain integrated water management strategies aligned with operational, community and environmental objectives.
Oversee site water balances, impact assessments and modeling (mine dewatering, supply recovery), water supply systems and strategy, storage facilities, treatment infrastructure, and discharge management.
Lead water stewardship initiatives that improve water efficiency, reliability, and sustainability with respect to current and future supply including mitigation and monitoring programs.
Support compliance with water related permits, regulations, and company requirements.
Identify, evaluate, and manage material tailings and water risks.
Maintain risk registers, critical control frameworks, and assurance programs.
Monitor key performance indicators and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.
Support emergency preparedness, crisis management, and consequence reduction planning.
Provide expert technical guidance to operations, studies and projects teams.
Review and endorse engineering and hydrological studies, designs, operational plans, and change management processes.
Foster the application of leading industry practices, innovation, and emerging technologies.
Build effective relationships with operations, project teams, regulators, communities, and external technical specialists.
Represent the business in technical forums, audits, regulatory engagements and key community meetings.
Communicate technical risks and opportunities clearly to senior management and stakeholders.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Outstanding personal development
Global career opportunities
Strong benefits
Opportunity to influence safety, sustainability, and community outcomes at scale
A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
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
Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns
Support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals