Refinery General Manager & Commissioning Leader

About the role

Our client is looking for a senior hydrometallurgical leader to drive the commissioning, ramp‑up and early commercial operation of a new battery‑grade cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario. The role will oversee the transition from construction to stable production, ensuring safety, quality and performance targets are met.

Key responsibilities

• Lead cold, hot and wet commissioning phases, resolving punch‑list items and confirming system readiness.
• Establish and maintain a zero‑harm safety culture that exceeds regulatory and corporate standards.
• Stabilize and optimise core circuits – leach, solvent extraction (SX) and crystallisation – to achieve design throughput, recovery and product quality.
• Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues, defining sustainable operating windows for SX and crystallisation.
• Deliver consistent production of battery‑grade cobalt sulfate that meets customer specifications.
• Develop and implement operating discipline through SOPs, training and performance metrics.

Required profile

• Seasoned hydrometallurgical operator with proven experience leading commissioning and start‑up of complex processing facilities.
• Hands‑on expertise stabilising solvent extraction and crystallisation circuits in demanding environments.
• Data‑driven decision maker comfortable operating with incomplete information.
• Strong team builder who leads from the front and upholds safety, operational excellence and product quality.

Required skills

• Solvent extraction (SX) process expertise
• Crystallisation technology
• Leach circuit operation
• Hydrometallurgical process engineering
• Plant commissioning and start‑up