Rio Tinto Procurement

Siobhan

Sourcing Analyst
Rio Tinto Procurement, Perth

After completing my marketing degree in 2000, I developed my professional career through various companies gaining considerable experience in the travel and hotel industry. I joined Rio Tinto two years ago as a Sourcing Analyst in the Procurement Department. I chose Rio Tinto because it is the leader in its field and I wanted to work with a group of diverse, intelligent individuals. In addition, I saw that I could truly grow and evolve with the organisation as it enters the most dynamic and exciting growth period that the Western Australian resource sector has seen.

Essentially there are two halves to my role: one is Management of the Travel Category. I am the Rio Tinto key account manager for the Travel Category which includes overseeing our group supply contracts for Airline Travel, Travel Agency Management, Car Hire and Accommodation. It is my responsibility to ensure these contracts are managed effectively and that performance is achieved and value delivered to our business units. The second, is working on various strategic sourcing projects as required by our business units; I have worked on over 25 different projects during my time at Rio Tinto Procurement!

While working for Rio Tinto Procurement, I have been able to enhance my project management skills through working with a variety of stakeholders, utilising developed procurement tools and attending specialised training. I have also increased my communication skills through constant collaboration with cross-functional teams and all levels of management on various projects.

Working with Rio Tinto Procurement has given me a wealth of experience in the commercial field, in-depth market knowledge and experience of dealing with clients at all levels. I have also received a lot of training and support to continue developing me professionally. What I like most about the working for Rio Tinto Procurement is the trust given to employees; autonomous work environment; respect from top management as well as co-workers and the opportunity to work on challenging projects.

James

Vacation Student
Rio Tinto Procurement

I am currently studying Law at the University of Western Australia where I'm due to finish at the end of 2005. I began my tertiary studies, when living in Melbourne, by completing an Arts degree (Majoring in Politics) at Monash University.

In 2002 I made the decision to move to Perth, Western Australia to begin my law studies. Living and studying so far from the economic comforts of home, balancing study and work have become second nature.

I recently completed a three month Vacation stint with Rio Tinto Procurement (Perth) over the 2004/2005 summer break. Following this I have been given the opportunity to stay on with Rio Tinto Procurement, working three days a week while I complete my law degree.

I was fortunate enough to be offered the Vacation position despite a background of minimal involvement within this industry. For me, this was a major attraction to the role. It was an opportunity to expand my experience through roles and responsibilities previously untried. Through Rio Tinto Procurement's induction programme and ongoing staff support, I have been able to gain the necessary knowledge of the organisation and its systems so I can perform my role as a Sourcing Analyst as effectively and as quickly as possible.

During my Vacation work I have worked on tasks ranging from, proving analytical support to peers and more senior Sourcing Specialists in the group, through to developing a spreadsheet to forecast and track the movement of all of Rio Tinto's Heavy Mobile Equipment. The work commitments are well balanced with a healthy social calendar of events including the Rio Tinto Ball, Sundowners and Lawn Bowls.

The opportunities offered by the Vacation programme are not only unique, but rarely matched in terms of the variety of tasks and level of responsibility entrusted. I can honestly recommend the position, whether you have a mining background or not.

Anita 

Sourcing Analyst - Contracts
Rio Tinto Procurement

I graduated from the University of Western Australia in September 2004 with degrees in Law and Science (majoring in Pharmacology) and began working at Rio Tinto Procurement at the beginning of November 2004 in the Contracts Team. My role was initially to conform Pilbara Iron, Hamersley Iron and Robe River contracts, but I have since branched out to other business units. At the moment I am heavily involved in Argyle Diamonds Contracts, with a smattering of Pilbara Iron, Hamersley Iron and Robe River. I am also developing a Contracts Database for HIsmelt/HIops.

I have enjoyed working at Rio Tinto Procurement because the work is challenging and stimulating for a pedant like me. The work is always varied in scope and value: For example, I have worked on contracts for Heavy Mobile Equipment to contracts for overseas consultants; and contracts worth as little as a couple of thousand dollars to contracts worth several millions. The working environment is relaxed and friendly, with colleagues who are always happy to help when you need it.

Working at Rio Tinto Procurement has been a good starting point to learn about the Company and its operations. I had no idea when I started just how big Rio Tinto is and how many different countries and operations it involves. I have gained exposure to many aspects of the business in Western Australia and have made contact with a range of Company personnel across many Western Australian sites. In the future I hope to become more involved with Heavy Mobile Equipment and Emerging Markets such as Russia, but in the meantime I eagerly look forward to visiting sites in Western Australia to meet the people with whom I have been dealing, and see the contracts I have drafted in action.

John

Head of Procurement

John McGagh is the Global Head of Procurement for the Rio Tinto Group.

Rio Tinto Procurement manages the inbound supply chain for the Rio Tinto Group. The function sources, buys and delivers goods and services supporting over 100 Rio Tinto operating sites world wide. 

John joined the Rio Tinto Group in 1980. Originally based in the UK, moving to Australia in 1987 and subsequently to the United States in 1999.

John has held a number of Rio Tinto management roles in both business unit, corporate offices and remote location mine-sites. His career roles include,  project engineering,  operations, marketing, business development and operational business improvement.

In 1996 John transferred to the Melbourne based corporate office with a start-up project responsibility for Group Purchasing in the Australia and near Asia region.  In January 1999 John was appointed to the newly formed Group role of Head of Procurement.

John contributed to the establishment of the Mining & Minerals e-marketplace (Quadrem), holding the role of interim Chief Operating Officer during the business startup phase and remains active on both the Quadrem Board plus the compensation and strategy sub-committees.

John holds honors degrees in Chemical Engineering and Management Economics and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chemical Engineers. After being based in the US for an extended period he relocated to Brisbane, Australia,  in mid 2007. John is married to Sharon; they have one son and two daughters.