Chief Counsel, Simandou

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs., Reporting to the General Counsel, Copper and Simandou, the Chief Counsel Simandou is responsible for :

Leading and developing the global legal team supporting the Simandou project in a collaborative, future-ready model.

Providing commercially astute legal advice to senior management across all project activities.

Implementing joint venture and governance arrangements, while managing key legal, commercial, and reputational risks.

Leading negotiations and interactions with joint venture partners and Government stakeholders.

Offering strategic, pragmatic guidance beyond legal advice to support the complex, multi-stakeholder project.

Managing external legal resources cost-effectively and creatively.

Ensuring legal compliance with contractual, regulatory, and corporate requirements.

Maintaining Rio Tinto's business reputation, especially in Guinea, to preserve our license to operate.

Qualified lawyer with 15+ years of experience in multinational businesses or international law firms.

Strategic thinker capable of considering long-term consequences and navigating complex environments.

Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable with ambiguity, and experienced in managing diverse cultural contexts.

Expertise in delivering legal advice in non-OECD jurisdictions, particularly in West Africa being an advantage

Proven ability to lead complex joint venture arrangements and multi-party transactions, including Government stakeholders.

Strong negotiation, technical, and analytical skills, with a track record of providing creative solutions to commercial issues.

Skilled in influencing senior management, fostering executive relationships, and focusing on team wellness and ethical values.

French language skills preferred (but not essential)

Exciting leadership role, playing a pivotal part in delivering one of the world's largest greenfield mining and infrastructure projects, unlocking the largest known high-grade iron ore deposit., We are looking for a Chief Counsel, Simandou working as a key leader within the Simandou team and the Copper and Legal team being part of the wider Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs function.

The role will lead the legal support for the Simandou business and will be part of the Simandou Senior Leadership team. The role will lead and be accountable for developing and maintaining a high performing global team of lawyers and advisors to deliver commercially astute high quality legal advice to the business as well as working collaboratively across the Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Function.

Being one of Rio Tinto's senior leaders means helping to run a company that drives human progress. You are writing the next chapter of our story.

You lead some of the industry's best and brightest minds, working to solve the challenges of the 21st century where the scope of this role provides the platform to make a meaningful difference within Rio Tinto and beyond., Rio Tinto's global headquarters is situated in St. James's Square, in the City of Westminster, London, on the edge of the West End, and is the site of the group's original head office.

Located over several floors, the office is truly a global hub for the business and is the base for many members of the Executive Committee.

As such, the grade II listed office reflects the vibrancy of the location, although it also overlooks the tranquillity of the only garden square in the district and is a short walk from Green Park and Piccadilly underground stations.

About the Simandou project

Simandou is the world's largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit located in the south-east of the Republic of Guinea, West Africa.

It will deliver a significant new source of high-grade iron ore that will strengthen Rio Tinto's portfolio for the decarbonisation of the steel industry, along with the construction of a trans-Guinean rail and port infrastructure that can make a significant contribution to the Guinea's economic development.

It will be the largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure investment in Africa with, more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use rail together with port facilities which is under construction and is being co-developed together with the Republic of Guinea and the consortium which owns the neighboring blocks.

The mine is majority owned by Rio Tinto in joint venture with a consortium lead by the Chinese State Owned Enterprise Chinalco and the Government of Guinea.

First production is expected in 2025, ramping up over 30 months to an annualized capacity of 60 million tonnes per year., 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.

We offer competitive, performance- focused remuneration and a wide range of benefits to reward your contribution. With a global reach, the opportunities to develop are broad and exciting.