Senior Adviser People

Rio Tinto • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Adviser People is the go-to HR expert for Rio Tinto’s Commercial business, based in its downtown Chicago office. The role advises leaders and employees on escalated and non-standard matters involving employee relations, performance, conduct, policy and workforce change. Working with HR Analysts, People Partners, Legal, Ethics & Compliance and specialist HR teams, the adviser turns complex situations into clear, fair and compliant outcomes while balancing best practice with local regulatory and business needs.

Requirements

• Commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Strong experience in HR advisory, employee relations and operational HR service delivery within a complex organisation.
• Solid understanding of employment legislation, HR policies and compliance frameworks.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills, with a proven record of handling complex, sensitive cases professionally and confidentially.
• Strong stakeholder management and coaching skills, balancing operational practicality, governance, compliance and employee experience.
• Proficiency with HR systems and case management platforms such as Workday, ServiceNow or similar tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and high volumes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in SLA-driven operational or shared services environments.
• A continuous improvement mindset focused on service quality and operational consistency.
• Previous experience with Workday.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical guidance on performance, conduct, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations and employee concerns, supporting sound, risk-aware decisions.
• Own case intake, triage and fact gathering, and resolve medium-level Workplace Respect matters while escalating high-risk or sensitive issues to appropriate specialists.
• Support restructures, redeployment, exits and organisational change with fairness and care.
• Act as the escalation point and subject-matter expert for HR Analysts and Administrators handling complex, judgement-based cases.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready records and manage risk and compliance.
• Use case trends to simplify processes and improve service to employees.

Benefits

• Annual incentive bonus.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, plus voluntary benefits.
• Retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution and 401(k) matching.
• Share ownership plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays and paid bereavement leave.
• Parental leave.
• Leisure discount programs.
• Virgin Pulse wellbeing incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counselling or expert guidance for employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed