Refinery General Manager & Commissioning Leader

Our client is seeking a senior hydrometallurgical leader to support the commissioning and ramp-up of its hydrometallurgical refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Canada. Funded by the U.S. and Canadian governments, the refinery will produce a battery-grade cobalt sulfate product for industrial and defence battery applications.

The successful candidate will lead commissioning and stabilize core process circuits, particularly solvent extraction (SX) and crystallization, while establishing the operating discipline and internal capability required for sustained, on-spec production.

In Year 2, a phase 2 expansion is contemplated to increase production from 5,120 tpa to 6,500 tpa of cobalt contained in sulfate to align with crystallizer nameplate capacity.

This role carries full accountability for operational readiness, ramp-up performance, and early-stage plant stability.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned hydrometallurgical operator with a proven track record of leading commissioning and start-up of complex processing facilities. This individual brings direct, hands‑on experience stabilizing solvent extraction and crystallization circuits and delivering consistent, on‑spec production in demanding environments.

You are a practical, data‑driven leader who can translate complex process behaviour into clear operating discipline. You are comfortable working in a start‑up environment where conditions evolve rapidly and decisions must be made with incomplete information.

You build strong teams, set high standards, and lead from the front in demanding operating environments. You are equally effective troubleshooting in the plant as you are developing systems, processes, and people to support sustained commercial operations.

Above all, you bring an unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and product quality, and are motivated by the opportunity to build and scale a strategically important asset in North America’s critical minerals supply chain.

The Refinery General Manager & Commissioning Leader will be accountable for the safe and successful transition of the refinery from construction through commissioning, ramp‑up, and into stable commercial operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the transition from construction through cold, hot, and wet commissioning, ensuring full system readiness and effective resolution of punch‑list items;
• Establish and maintain a zero‑harm safety culture, ensuring all activities meet or exceed regulatory and corporate standards;
• Stabilize and optimize core process circuits, including leach, solvent extraction (SX), and crystallization, to achieve design throughput, recovery, and product quality targets;
• Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues, particularly within SX and crystallization systems, and define sustainable operating windows;
• Deliver consistent production of battery‑grade cobalt sulfate meeting customer specifications;
• Build and implement operating discipline through SOPs, process playbooks, and structured training programs;
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high‑performing operations team, including operators, supervisors, and metallurgical staff;
• Drive continuous improvement across recovery, cost performance, reagent consumption, and overall plant efficiency;
• Collaborate with technical, maintenance, and laboratory teams to establish robust process control and metallurgical accounting practices;
• Support preparation for future expansion and long‑term operational scale‑up; and
• Other duties as assigned by management.

• Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering degree, with hydrometallurgical experience required;

• 15+ years in hydrometallurgical processing, refinery operations, or commissioning;
• Proven commissioning/start‑up leadership in SX, crystallization, or related chemical/metals circuits;
• Experience bringing a plant from construction through commissioning and ramp‑up to stable commercial production;
• Experience managing product quality for battery‑grade or other high‑purity chemical products;
• Experience leading plant teams in a start‑up or turnaround environment;
• Experience with cobalt, nickel, copper,…