Principal Safety at Rio Tinto in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Principal Safety
Location: Perth
Lead the localisation, assurance and continuous improvement of safety standards that influence operational performance across Iron Ore operations.
Drive safety improvement initiatives through the analysis of incidents, investigations, learning and critical risk management outcomes.
Shape the future of safety capability, compliance and assurance across a large-scale and complex operational environment.
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 an experienced Principal Safety professional to provide technical leadership across safety standards and governance, safety improvement, reporting and WHS compliance. This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic decision-making while strengthening safety performance and critical risk management outcomes.
This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic decision-making while strengthening safety performance and critical risk management outcomes.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Manager Safety, Emergency and Security, you will:
• Lead the localisation and governance of safety standards, procedures and guidance to support operational excellence.
• Provide assurance activities and second-line oversight for safety standards and emergency management systems.
• Drive safety improvement initiatives through the analysis of incidents, investigations, learning and critical risk management outcomes.
• Monitor emerging industry trends, regulatory developments and best practices to strengthen organisational safety performance.
• Provide operational safety support, coaching and capability uplift across operational leadership teams.
• Partner with senior leaders to influence strategic safety decisions and drive continual improvement in safety performance and risk management.
• Represent the business with regulators, industry bodies and external stakeholders on safety-related matters.
• Support strategic safety priorities through reporting, assurance reviews and data-driven insights.
About you
We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every helpful for success item to apply. If you are excited by the opportunity and bring relevant experience, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for Success
• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing safety programs within a large and complex operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of safety governance, risk management, compliance and assurance frameworks.
• Experience analysing safety performance data and translating insights into practical improvement initiatives.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving capability.
Helpful for Success
• Tertiary qualification in Health and Safety or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience supporting major operational, mining or industrial environments.
• Knowledge of safety management systems, incident investigation processes and WHS legislation.
• Experience coaching and developing safety capability across leadership teams.
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
·A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
·A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
·A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
·Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
·Attractive share ownership plan
·Company provided insurance cover
·Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
·Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
·Ongoing access tofamily-friendly health and medical wellbeingsupport
·Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, personal & cultural leave)
·Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
·Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you'll be working
Our modern office located in Central Park tower in Perth provide an inspiring environment forcollaborationand professional growth. You'll be able to enjoy a range of benefits, includingaccess to a modern gym, wellness programs, and convenient amenities that support a healthy work-life balance. Situated in the heart ofPerth, weare close to public transport and several parking options.
Applications for this role will close Monday 21st September 2026.
About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.