4.4 Director of Operations

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.  

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.  

Our Values:

● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong

● Lead with Compassion

● Be Resourceful

● Listen

● Hustle

Who we are looking for:   

Phoenix Tailings seeks an inspiring and experienced Director of Operations to build and lead our operational framework. This hands-on, high-impact role will drive engineering and pilot production, taking Phoenix Tailings’ innovations from lab scale to pilot scale to demonstrate commercial viability. You will establish operational processes and structure, focusing on refining SOPs, organizing pilot production, and converting R&D procedures into scalable, practical pilot processes. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of clean metals, supporting engineering development and advancing clean tech methods while developing a team committed to excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility. 

• Pilot Production and Engineering Development 
• Lead pilot production planning to ensure high-quality output and engineering & manufacturing readiness for scale-up to commercial production 
• Develop and implement SOPs and training programs that translate engineering and R&D learnings into efficient, replicable pilot processes. 
• Apply lean principles to improve efficiency and scalability as production moves from lab to pilot scale. 

• Operations Setup and Facility Management 
• Oversee installation and management of facility systems (HVAC, inert gas, water chilling, fire suppression, electrical) aligned with pilot production needs. 
• Implement preventative maintenance and manage facility layouts to support current and future pilot-scale operations expansion. 
• Manage annual and monthly facility inspections ensuring compliance with building code and all local regulations 

• Inventory and Cost Management 
• Establish practices for efficient material flow, ensuring reliable inventory for engineering development and tracking cost control. 
• Develop and monitor a cost model to track pilot production expenses and provide insights into cost-efficiency for scale-up. 

• Compliance, Safety, and Security 
• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, ISO, and other relevant regulations. 
• Establish and lead safety training, PPE management, and enforce security protocols, including access control and emergency preparedness. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Strategic Planning 
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and sales teams to align pilot production with technology advancements and market demands. 
• Manage budgets for pilot facilities, inventory, and engineering projects, supporting Phoenix Tailings’ growth objectives and ensuring efficient scale-up. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field. 
• 5+ years in operations management within a production or manufacturing setting, with experience in facility setup and team development. 
• Knowledge and experience with EPA regulations, air quality permits, OSHA, and ISO standards, plus local and federal compliance. 
• Experience in aluminum or reactive metal production environments is a plus. 
• Proficient in inventory management, facility operations, and safety/security protocols. 
• Skilled in lean manufacturing and quality management principles with a focus on pilot-scale operations. 
• Strong collaborator with effective communication skills and a commitment to safety and sustainable production. 

• Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
• Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families. 
• Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world. 
• Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations. 
• Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
• Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
• Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 

Phoenix Tailings is committed to empowering chemical engineers to take ownership of their work and make a lasting impact on the future of clean energy and metals production. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).