Sr. Manager of 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:

The Senior Manager of Pilot Operations will oversee the first-of-a-kind Pilot plant at Electra’s Boulder location and apply experience toward commissioning and operating the Demonstration plant to be built in or near Boulder, CO, in the next 12-18 months. Your role will be instrumental in demonstrating our technology at scale and require the flexibility to transition from a development mindset (today) to a production mindset (in the future). The candidate must have experience in a new product introduction/manufacturing environment. The role 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 operationally in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. If you are ready for such a challenge, this is your opportunity.  In this role you will: 

• Oversee Plant Operations with a ‘Safety First’ mindset, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Pilot Plant in Boulder, Colorado, and a Demonstration Plant in or near Boulder, Colorado, to be built in 12-18 months.
• Work with management to understand development priorities, develop detailed work scopes, coordinate work, track progress, and ensure objectives are met on time and within budget.
• As we transition to a production mindset, track and improve the plant's operational metrics.
• Continue to recruit and build a high-functioning operations team that includes both exempt and non-exempt employees to achieve the KPIs as we transition from development to production.
• The position incorporates coordinating HAZOPs, troubleshooting, failure mode analysis, developing standard operations and maintenance procedures, and ensuring environmental compliance.
• Build cross-functional working relationships across the company to support Technology and Engineering development priorities and test plans that are aligned with the overall company goals and priorities.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to direct reports and teammates to reinforce a goal-driven, results-oriented startup culture.
• Develop hypotheses and interpret results to improve the fundamental understanding of various process steps.
• Document the learning and knowledge and cross-functionally share it across the company.
• Without significant direction: organize, prioritize, and improve operations quality and throughput.
• Interact with company management and partner with internal stakeholders on all activities as necessary to fulfill Plant Operations work.

What we need you to bring to the team:  

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent related experience. 
• 7-10 years of experience in a new product introduction or manufacturing environment with equivalent or similar process flow. 
• Management experience with 3-5 years of recruiting and building teams.
• Proven track record of executing projects with aggressive schedules and technical uncertainty.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with and bring together cross-functional groups and build longstanding relationships successfully.
• Demonstrated experience producing and presenting status updates and analyses to senior-level management, executives, 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.
• Start-Up mindset
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective people and project management skills.
• Ability to build culture through leadership and mentorship.
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail.
• Strategic vision and strong analytical skills.
• Highly skilled in risk identification and mitigation development

What we want you to bring to the team: 

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering
• Prior Plant Management experience
• Experience in hydrometallurgy, electrowinning, metal refining, electrolyzers, or flow batteries