Industrial Facility Plant Manager; Ohio, Aberdeen

About PHNX Materials

PHNX Materials refines coal ash waste into a sulfate-based fertilizer, and a cement substitute (SCM). Our cost-effective, scalable technology delivers a triple win: providing a low cost fertilizer, helping power producers manage coal ash liabilities, and providing concrete companies a cheaper, greener alternative to cement. PHNX is on a mission to unlock this abundant domestic natural resource.

PHNX Materials is developing a demonstration facility in Ohio as a critical step toward commercial scale. We are seeking an on-site Site and Operations Manager to lead both the setup of the facility and its transition into early operations.

This role is highly execution-driven and field-based. You will own on-site coordination with EPCs, contractors, and vendors during construction, then shift into managing day-to-day operations once the facility is live. The goal is to stand up a safe, functional facility and operate it reliably for demonstrations, pilots, and customer engagement.

You will be the on-site owner of the Ohio demonstration facility from construction through steady-state operation. Working closely with PHNX leadership, engineering, and operations teams, you will ensure the facility is built correctly, commissioned smoothly, and run effectively. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable living on the site, managing contractors one day and troubleshooting operations the next.

You will play a key role shaping PHNX’s technology, customer-facing demos, and new industry standards.

• Own on-site execution of the demonstration facility setup from early construction through readiness for commissioning
• Coordinate daily activities across EPCs, contractors, and vendors
• Track construction progress, schedules, and deliverables against plan
• Resolve field issues in real time and escalate when needed

• Serve as PHNX’s on-site representative with EPCs, civil contractors, equipment vendors, and inspectors
• Coordinate installation of process equipment, utilities, foundations, and supporting infrastructure
• Manage equipment deliveries, site logistics, and contractor sequencing
• Review contractor work for quality, completeness, and alignment with design intent

• Own day-to-day operations of the demonstration facility once commissioned
• Manage routine operation of process equipment, utilities, and supporting systems
• Coordinate with engineering and technical teams to execute demonstrations and pilot runs
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues as they arise
• Track operational performance, uptime, and readiness

• Own on-site safety across both construction and operations phases
• Enforce PPE use, safe work practices, and permit requirements
• Coordinate inspections, permits, and regulatory compliance
• Maintain an organized, safe, and professional site

• Support commissioning, startup, and punch-list closeout
• Ensure documentation, SOPs, and as-builts are completed and handed off
• Capture operational learnings to inform future facilities and scale-up

• Prior experience managing coal ash industrial or pilot-scale facility build-out and on-site execution
• Experience transitioning facilities from construction into operations
• Strong background coordinating EPCs, contractors, and equipment vendors
• Hands-on experience with industrial or pilot plant operations
• Ability to make real-time decisions across construction and operational contexts
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally
• Willingness to be on site full-time in Ohio

• Background in chemical, mineral processing, or heavy industrial operations
• Experience with commissioning and early-stage operations
• OSHA safety training or equivalent

• Ownership of a critical demonstration facility from build to operation
• Direct impact on PHNX’s path to commercial scale
• High-autonomy, hands-on role with real responsibility
• Opportunity to grow into broader site or operations leadership roles

PHNX Materials is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.