We are looking for a Plant Director for our strategic materials production plant. The facility will occupy a 3 million square feet site and will eventually employ around 150 people. You will play a key role in creating and establishing a high-performing team that will be responsible for starting up and optimizing the plant, construction of which is set to begin in 2024 with a planned start of operations by the end of 2027.

You will report to the Vice-President of Operations and the General Manager and work closely with the Commissioning and the Project Directors. Your involvement will be central throughout various project phases, including detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, and ultimately, ramping up operations.

Once the plant construction is complete, you will oversee an operation team consisting of professionals in areas such as operations, maintenance, procurement, logistics, quality, health and safety, and environment. Ultimately, you will be responsible for budgets, operational optimization, and improvement plans.

Key Responsibilities:
Detailed Engineering and Construction Phase:

• Establish the Operational Readiness Plan (ORP) (develop the layout plan for business systems necessary for commercial operation);
• Ensure social acceptability within the host community;
• Identify operational needs and ensure their integration in the engineering phase;
• Participate in design, P&ID and 3D reviews to incorporate operability and maintenance aspects;
• Contribute to developing the process control philosophy and conducting HAZOP;
• Establish strategic service and procurement agreements with key suppliers, with support from the strategic procurement team (e.g., Énergir, Hydro-Quebec, CN, reagents, etc.);
• Anticipate logistics and storage requirements;
• Drive the development of the operations budget (OPEX) and future investment projects (CAPEX);
• Contribute to creating the plant’s commissioning plan and develop the startup budget (working capital);
• Develop organizational charts and execute employee hiring, onboarding, and training plans, supported by the Talent and Culture team;
• Initially, the Plant Director will lead a team composed of operational representatives for critical areas of the plant. This team will grow at each project stage in preparation for commissioning.

Commissioning Phase:

• Lead the startup and ramp up of the plant;
• Ensure the implementation of all operational aspects aligned with the company’s objectives and commitments;
• Verify regulatory compliance (permits, health and safety, environmental, etc.) and uphold community commitments.

Operations Phase:

• Lead the operations of a strategic materials production plant (approximately 150 people);
• Establish key performance indicators related to various organizational activities and departments (environment, health and safety, quality, execution time, productivity, costs, preventive maintenance, etc.);
• Implement and monitor budgets per business commitments and company objectives (CAPEX, OPEX, logistics, material procurement, etc.);
• Ensure that quality standards for battery-grade products are met;
• Collaborate with the business development team and Lithion engineers to integrate new technologies and implement improvements in the plant;
• Support implementing an integrated management program (health and safety, environment, quality, community);
• Assist in talent and culture programs, personal development, and employer branding.

Skills and Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering, human resources, health and safety;
• Minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in complex industrial operations management;
• Experience working in a plant operating various industrial chemical processes;
• Experience working in starting a new technology or plant (an asset);
• Proven leadership skills for managing change and a sense of urgency;
• Strong commitment to ESG principles (environmental, social, and governance);
• Initiative, creativity, and results-oriented mindset;
• Integrity, respect, honesty, and discernment;
• Ability to synthesize information, plan organizationally, and solve problems;
• Capacity to delegate, set priorities, and handle stress;
• Sharp business acumen, enabling data examination and practical solutions;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to mobilize a team to align operational strategy with the company’s interests and overall strategy;
• Proficient in both French and English.

Exceptional Benefits Await You

• Get a competitive salary and annual bonuses; we work and win as a team.
• What? Year-round summer hours? Yes, Lithion lets you finish Fridays starting at 12:30 PM.
• Take a vacation from day one.
• Spend the holidays with your family! Paid time off.
• Get a comprehensive group insurance plan along with an employee assistance program.
• Benefits from a competitive retirement plan with Lithion’s matching contribution.
• We care about your well-being; health and wellness management account to care for yourself.
• Access the Dialogue telemedicine program on Day 1.
• We make things easy; get access to a referral program from day one.
• Get access to ongoing training.
• And, of course, work in a dynamic environment where fun and laughter are part of everyday life!

Position: Permanent, full-time

Workplace: Specific location to be confirmed