Lithium Conversion Pilot Plant Director-France

Lithium Conversion
Pilot Plant Director
FRANCE

Our client, a global leader in industrial mineral specialties headquartered in France, has launched a lithium production project in  France.

This project, is one of the largest lithium extraction initiatives in the European Union. It aims to meet Europe's decarbonization goals by Implementing best environmental and societal technical practices, producing low-carbon lithium, contributing to the EU's 2050 carbon neutrality target and establishing an integrated production process encompassing the entire upstream lithium value chain (extraction, concentration, and conversion), supporting French and European sovereignty over this strategic raw material. 

Following a testing phase with two pilot plants for concentration and conversion, the project is expected to commence operations in 2029. This marks the most significant mining project in mainland France in over half a century.

They are now looking for a Plant Director for their Conversion Pilot Plant which will commence its operation in 2026. 

PRIMARY MISSIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Conversion Pilot Plant Director will build and lead the operational team, oversee the preparation program, and ensure the successful startup of the pilot conversion plant according to the project schedule, while meeting safety and environmental objectives. Additionally, they will play a key role in preparing for the operation of the commercial conversion plant.

The role involves three main phases:

1. Pre-Startup of Pilot Plants (Until September 2026)
  • Build the organizational structure in collaboration with HR and finalize work schedules.
  • Lead the recruitment program for the operational team with HR and production, process, and maintenance leads.
  • Approve the training strategy for the operational team.
  • Review, complete, and approve the operational startup preparation program and its timeline.
  • Oversee the preparation program across areas such as:
    • Health, Safety, and Security: Emergency plans, security plans, training, and change management.
    • Environment: Environmental management programs and compliance monitoring plans.
    • Production: Rituals, procedures, ramp-up plans, operational checks, and SAP implementation.
    • Maintenance: CMMS, workshops, tools, and document control.
    • Logistics: Plans for input/output flows, sourcing, and subcontracting.
    • Process and Quality: Control plans, technical training, and production modeling.
    • Administration: Budgets, reporting, etc.
  • Coordinate the development of system and operational procedures necessary for startup.
  • Collaborate with the project team and commissioning lead to create the commissioning plan.
  • Work closely with the project manager to monitor construction progress and manage synergies between the project and operational teams.
  • Approve equipment commissioning and associated punch lists.

2. During and Post-Commissioning of Pilot Plants 
  • Serve as the legal site representative and lead the operational team.
  • Safely commission and ramp up the unit to meet technical objectives within the established ramp-up plan.
  • Ensure the effective implementation of processes, rituals, and tools developed during operational preparation.
  • Manage change and document control processes, which are critical during the startup phase.
  • Lead improvement initiatives with the team.
  • Oversee the Opex budget for the unit.
  • Maintain effective communication with the project team to integrate operational feedback and identify technical improvements.
3. Pre-Startup of Commercial Plants (2029)
  • Actively contribute to the development and execution of the operational preparation plan for the commercial conversion plant.
  • Adjust work cycles and production campaigns of the pilot plant based on training and recruitment strategies.
  • Collaborate closely with the project manager and participate in design reviews during the detailed engineering phase of the commercial plant.
PROFILE

Required Experience

Technical Competencies:
  • Operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
  • Process control and analysis.
  • Implementation of operational systems and processes: maintenance, production, laboratory.
  • Hydrometallurgical and/or pyrometallurgical processes.
  • Operational excellence practices.
Management Competencies:
  • Supervising 5x8 operational teams.
  • Strong adaptability and uncertainty management skills.
  • Action-oriented with effective change management capabilities.
  • English proficiency and experience managing skills development and training programs.
Qualifications and Background:
  • Engineering degree (generalist or specialist).
  • 15+ years of experience in continuous-process industries, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (e.g., chemical, petrochemical, metallurgy, cement/lime).
  • Experience in:
    • Commissioning and ramp-up of production units.
    • Mass recruitment and team-building initiatives.
WHAT WE OFFER

In exchange, the ideal candidate will get a permanent contract, receive an attractive retributive package, while he gets the opportunity to sign on with a solid company and build his/her professional career in an international environment. Only the candidates that fulfil these requirements will be considered. Send your CV in English indicating the job reference to: akman.atilgan@conexusrecruitment.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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