Job Description
Company Overview:
Tees Valley Lithium (TVL) is at the forefront of establishing a cutting-edge lithium refinery to support the sustainable energy transition. As we move through the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase and towards plant construction, TVL is committed to building a best-in-class operation. We seek an experienced COO to lead the development of the project through to operational success, ensuring robust financial and operational management.
Position Overview:
The COO will play a pivotal role in overseeing the construction, start-up, and ongoing operations of the lithium refinery. This role demands rigorous attention to CAPEX and OPEX control, production and quality targets, and continuous productivity improvement. In the initial FEED phase, the COO will work closely with the engineering team to establish the refinery’s operational requirements, ensuring that its design supports efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
* Project Development: Oversee operational planning and development of the lithium refinery from FEED through to full-scale construction.
* CAPEX and OPEX Control: Establish and monitor CAPEX budgets and OPEX forecasts, implementing strategies to control costs and maximize financial efficiency throughout the project’s lifecycle.
* Production and Quality Targets: Set and manage production and quality standards for the refinery, ensuring output meets or exceeds industry standards and client expectations.
* Continuous Productivity Improvement: Implement processes and technologies that drive productivity improvements, ensuring the refinery remains competitive and efficient as production scales.
* Engineering Collaboration: partner with the engineering team during the FEED study to ensure the refinery’s design aligns with operational needs and best practices.
* Operational Readiness: Develop procedures, standards, and best practices to enable a seamless transition from construction to full-scale operation.
* Process Optimization: Drive the implementation of strategies that enhance efficiency, safety, and cost control as the refinery becomes operational.
* Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing operations team, focusing on workforce planning, training, and development to achieve operational excellence.
Qualifications:
* Significant experience in operations management, ideally in the chemical or mining industries.
* Proven record in managing large-scale projects with an emphasis on CAPEX and OPEX control.
* Strong understanding of refinery production and quality control, with the ability to drive continuous productivity improvements.
* Experience with FEED studies and a collaborative approach to working with engineering teams.
* Excellent leadership skills and a strategic mindset for operational and financial management