Chief Technical Officer Lithium BU - M/F

Eramet and its subsidiary Eramine has started the operation of its first 24kt Lithium Carbonate plant in Argentina in the Province of Salta (Centenario 1st Plant) at the end of 2024. Following this first step, we are preparing the construction of a second plant on the same Salar while optimizing the performance of the first plant (i.e. process improvements, brine reinjection, use of Solar PV…).

In the meantime, this first Direct Lithium Extraction plant (DLE) is expected to accelerate the growth of Eramet Lithium platform and reinforce the pipeline of Lithium projects opportunities that Eramet is currently developing (Centenario phase 2, AGELI project in France, projects in Chile, numerous other projects in discussion by the Business Development Team…).

Job description

Eramet, a global leader in responsible mining and metallurgy, is seeking an experienced Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for its Lithium Business Unit. This newly created role will drive the expansion of Eramet’s lithium operations, focusing on large-scale, innovative projects to support the global energy transition. The CTO will oversee the engineering and operational aspects of lithium production, from project design to implementation, ensuring that Eramet remains a leader in sustainable lithium production.

Responsibilities

As Chief Technical Officer, you will be responsible for: 

1. Ensure Eramine's operational and technical follow-up to maintain and improve the company's intrinsic performance.

• Support the COO of Eramine during the ramp-up phase and ensure implementation of best-in-class operation practices (Safety, implementation of Eramet Production System, performance monitoring, maintenance…)
• Support the COO and CTO of Eramine on key issues and critical decisions
• Support Eramine CEO during potential operational ‘crisis’ (major safety issue, major breakdown…)
• Ensure the highest standard in terms of Safety, EPS implementation, Maintenance strategy, Mine Planning, Quality control, Asset integrity
• Report the weekly operational performance to the BU Management and the Excom (QBR/ Monthly project review…)

2. Ensure the success of Greenfield (e.g. Centenario 2nd plant) and Brownfield projects (e.g. Solar PV) of the Lithium BU:

• Structure and review major projects (economics, technical choices, choice of Project Director, resources level, governance, choice of Engineering company, cost control & planning organization…)
• Steer the performance of the different projects during the execution phase (regular reviews, cost & planning control)
• Ensure proper Operational Readiness of the projects ahead of the start-up phase
• Support the project teams on key issues and key decisions (technical, planning…)
• Report the projects status to the BU Management and the Excom (QBR/ Monthly project review…)

3. Support the selection and evaluation of Lithium opportunities retained by Eramet for study or investment (greenfield from geology, M&A, partnerships)

• Build or review the scoping study (working with Engineering company and the different BU or Eramet teams: Lithium process team, Geology team, Business Development team)
• Ensure the consistency of technical choices with other Eramet Lithium projects or study
• Assess the economics and the overall Business Plan of each opportunity
• Support the Business Development or M&A team on the deal structures

4.Support Head of the Lithium Business Unit

• Support the preparation of key meetings (Budget, Monthly and Quarterly Business Review, Steering Committees, Board report…)
• On site presence (Eramine or upcoming projects) to cascade BU Priorities
• Represent or act for the BU Director when they are unavailable

Your Profile

• Engineer with a minimum of 25 years of professional experience in industrial sectors, preferably the chemicals or Chlor-Alkali sector.
• Proven track record in managing large industrial process plants or clusters, including chemicals, oil & gas, or steel industries, but preferably in the chemicals of Chlor-Alkali sector.
• Successful experience as a Project Director leading the construction of Greenfield plants or large extensions with project values between €200-500 million.
• Expertise in managing high-level multidisciplinary technical teams, including project, mine, and process teams.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in hydrometallurgy or Chlor-Alkali processes, either in process or operational roles.
• Strong business acumen, analytical skills, teamwork, influential leadership, and excellent communication abilities with a commitment to rigor.
• Language proficiency in English and Spanish (fluency required); French is a plus

Our advantages

Every day at Eramet, we strive to be a responsible player in the mining industry and to reduce our environmental footprint.

If you're looking for a stimulating, inclusive and international working environment. Join us and become the new face of mining!

Join Eramet's teams and benefit from :

• An attractive remuneration package including a fixed annual salary, variable remuneration linked to your performance, profit-sharing and various bonuses depending on your position.
• Access to an employee shareholding program.
• A comprehensive employee savings and retirement plan co-financed by the company.
• 100% reimbursement of your Navigo pass or sustainable mobility package (bicycle, car-sharing, season ticket, transport allowance, etc.)
• Up to 2 days' teleworking per week, depending on your team's working arrangements
• Health and provident insurance
• Access to discounted leisure activities

With a presence on five continents and over 70 nationalities, Eramet is by nature a diverse group. Convinced that diversity is an asset, we are committed to welcoming all talents, whatever their gender, disability, age, social or cultural origin, or sexual orientation. We guarantee everyone support and development opportunities throughout their career.