VP of Hydrometallurgy & Plant Operations

Who we are:

Electra is electrifying ironmaking to decarbonize steelmaking and eliminate 3.7 gigatons or 10% of global CO2 emissions. Leveraging proven industrial-scale electrochemical and hydrometallurgical processes, and backed by leading sustainability-focused venture capitalists, our team is developing lower cost, scalable solutions utilizing intermittent renewable energy to forge a cleaner, greener future for the trillion-dollar steel industry.    

With a uniquely collaborative culture, endless passion for developing disruptive technologies, and the opportunity to revolutionize carbon-intensive manufacturing industries, careers at Electra offer challenge, reward, and the chance to bring to market solutions that dramatically improve the health of the planet. 

Electra's mission is to accelerate the iron and steel industry's decarbonization, sustainability, and circularity. We have developed a groundbreaking Hydrometallurgical-Electrowinning approach to produce pure metallic iron from low-value ores.

What you will do:

As the Vice President of Hydrometallurgy and Plant operations, you will report to the CEO and be a crucial member of Electra’s executive team, playing a pivotal role in our next phase of growth and development. Your expertise will be integral to our success, and your role will be instrumental in shaping our future, underscoring the value we place on your leadership and contribution. 

The Vice President of Hydrometallurgy and Operations will have a significant plant owner’s perspective and expertise in designing, building, and operating zinc, copper, nickel, or equivalent hydrometallurgical-electrowinning plants. The candidate must also have a track record and technical acumen to scale up a “first-of-its-kind” hydrometallurgical-electrowinning technology from pilot to commercialization. You will also have hands-on experience managing large-scale capital projects with EPC partners.  

This opportunity is for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, significant hydrometallurgy and electrowinning operability experience, and knowledge of what works and does not work at a commercial scale. It is for a detail-oriented and results-driven person who likes to lead and motivate others by rolling up their sleeves to get things done and have the discipline to troubleshoot issues as we transition from Pilot to Commercial scale. If you are ready for such a challenge, this is the opportunity for you. In this role you will: 

• Lead Plant Operations organization with a ‘Safety First’ mindset that includes the Pilot Plant in Boulder, Colorado (today), a Demonstration Plant in or near Boulder, Colorado (in 12-18 months), and eventually the first Commercial Plant (in 3-4 years) at a defined location in North America.
• As a Hydrometallurgy and Electrowinning content/subject matter expert, coordinate the Demonstration and Commercial plant engineering studies with internal stakeholders and external EPC partners.
• Track and improve the operational metrics. Build and lead the internal Operations team to achieve the KPIs, develop detailed work scopes, coordinate work, track progress, and ensure objectives are met on time and within budget.
• The position incorporates risk management practices, including coordinating HAZOPs, failure mode analysis, developing standard operations and maintenance procedures, and ensuring environmental compliance.
• Deploy Six Sigma and Robust Engineering methodologies to continuously drive the experiments and test work to improve process maturity and plant operability.
• Build strong working relationships with the executive management and cross-collaborate with Technology, Engineering, Projects, Business, and Finance organizations to achieve corporate goals.
• Interact with the company Advisory and Board, as needed.

What we need you to bring to the team:  

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or equivalent
• 20+ years of technical, engineering leadership, and project management experience in the metals refining and Chlor-alkali, RFBs, or electrolyzer industries.
• Experience in zinc, copper, nickel, or equivalent hydrometallurgy is a must; experience with Redox Flow Batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells is nice to have.
• Experience managing EPC and large-scale capital projects.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with and bring together cross-functional groups to manage project execution and build longstanding relationships successfully.
• Demonstrated experience producing and presenting analysis, valuation, and recommendation materials to senior-level management, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team and individual settings and cross-functionally, manage and motivate teams, and supervise outside professionals.
• Strong desire to support the broader team whenever and wherever needed to ensure responsibilities are shared in a lean organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, organize, prioritize, and act on own ideas without significant direction.
• Start-up mindset.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail.
• Strategic vision and strong analytical skills.
• Highly skilled in risk identification and mitigation development.