Principal Advisor Commercial​/Renewable Energy Contracts

RioTinto is seeking a Principal Advisor for Commercial Renewable Energy Contracts in Salt Lake City, UT, with potential options in Chicago or Montreal. The role involves managing a global portfolio of renewable energy contracts, including PPAs and VPPAs, ensuring compliance and performance, and overseeing project delivery. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least five years of experience in renewable energy project management.
Position: Principal Advisor Commercial (Renewable Energy Contracts)

Principal Advisor Commercial (Renewable Energy Contracts)
• Participate in the energy transition, decarbonization, ESG evolution and digital transformation
• Join our global leading business offering outstanding leadership development
• Permanent full-time role based in Salt Lake City, Utah (preferred) with options possible in Chicago or Montreal

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

As a key member of the Renewable Energy Projects International team, you will be primarily responsible for managing a global portfolio of executed clean and renewable energy contracts. These include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) and, where applicable, Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC) agreements. Reporting to the Manager, Renewable Energy International, you will ensure the effective transition from contract execution to delivery, with a mandate to drive successful implementation, ongoing performance, and alignment with decarbonization objectives.

Reporting into the Manager, Renewable Energy International, you will be responsible for:

Contract Management & Commercial Oversight
• Manage a portfolio of executed renewable energy contracts, including PPAs, VPPAs, and EAC agreements
• Participate in contract negotiations to ensure alignment with asset management, HSE, and operational standards
• Oversee post-execution implementation, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and internal policies
• Lead or support contract amendments, claims, renegotiations, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle
• Help define and apply internal frameworks for contract management and delivery standards

Project Delivery & Asset Management
• Track project development and construction milestones to ensure timely delivery
• Monitor and report on financial and operational performance of renewable energy assets
• Maintain project-specific risk registers and ensure active mitigation and escalation of risks
• Ensure application of HSE standards and compliance throughout delivery and operations
• Manage variations and claims in collaboration with legal and relevant stakeholders
• Manage end-to-end EAC procurement, delivery, and retirement
• Support other commercial and contractual aspects of projects, as required
• Drive continuous improvement in asset management processes

Financial Operations
• Administer VPPA settlements, including data validation and coordination with finance and accounting teams
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes as relevant to contract and asset performance

What You'll Bring
• Bachelor's degree in business, energy or environmental science, paralegal studies or similar
• At least five years of relevant experience in renewable energy project management, contract administration, or asset management
• Proven expertise in managing renewable energy contract portfolios, particularly focused on wind and solar energy supply agreements
• A proven track record of working with cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder relations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Where You Will be Working

Renewable Energy Projects (REP) has been established under Rio Tinto Energy & Climate (RTEC) within Development and Technology (D&T) to deliver the large-scale renewable energy solutions required across our major energy jurisdictions. Our core objectives are to accelerate the development of future energy assets, secure high-quality renewable energy development optionality, and help shape the Group’s overall energy strategy. REP is focused on procuring energy for both existing and greenfield operations, while also creating opportunities for Rio Tinto to remain competitive as it pursues future growth.

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…