Process Improvement Manager W/M

Eramine Sudamérica SA is a subsidiary of Eramet, a French global mining and metallurgical group. It is located in the Salar Centenario Ratones, 3,800 meters above sea level, in the department of Los Andes, in Salta, Argentina.

Exploration activities started 12 years ago and at the end of 2019 our pilot plant started operating, providing a demonstration of the quality of the final lithium carbonate product, with more than 90% direct extraction efficiency. 

Process Improvement Manager W/M

Responsibilities:

• Analysis and Closing Performance Gaps
  • Implement the monthly routine of reviewing the current mass and energy balance vs. Design, in coordination with Operations (COO) and with the support of external consultants.
  • Identify performance gaps (recovery, energy consumption, reagent usage, production) and determine root causes (design, configuration, operation).
  • Lead the execution of corrective actions together with the operations and maintenance teams, documenting the results.
• Continuous Improvement Management
  • Develop and execute the Process Improvement Plan, including projects identified in the Full Potential Plan.
  • Ensure the quantification of the savings generated (reagents, energy, water, emissions) and report them periodically to the CTO and management.
  • Promote the standardization of best practices and the transfer of knowledge between shifts and areas.
• Support for Expansion Projects (CLP1.5)
  • Actively participate in defining the processes for CLP1.5, ensuring that CLP1 findings are incorporated into the design.
  • Collaborate with engineering and Hatch on balance sheet review, flowcharts, and technology selection.
  • Ensure that operability and maintainability criteria are present from the design phase.
• Management of the Training and Training Center
  • Establish the strategy for the use of the Training Center, aligned with the technical training needs of operations and maintenance personnel.
  • Design and coordinate training programs in new methodologies, analysis tools, and processes.
• Documentation and Technical Assurance
  • Document all process changes, procedure updates, and lessons learned.
  • Ensure that documentation complies with applicable standards and regulations (Eramet, local standards, ISO, etc.).
  • Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and for the Eramet group.
• Technological Innovation
  • Monitor technological trends in the lithium industry (new extraction processes, purification, energy efficiency) and evaluate their potential application in Eramine.
  • Collaborate with Eramet Ideas in R+D projects applied to the operation.

Your profile:

• Education: Chemical, Metallurgist or Process Engineer.
• Minimum 8 years in similar positions in hydrometallurgical plants, preferably in lithium or non-ferrous mining. Verifiable experience in process improvement, data analysis, and project management.
• Technical Skills:
  • Knowledge of control systems and measurement equipment.
  • Management of MS Project and process modeling software (SysCad, MetSim, Aspen, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability in data analysis with tools such as Python, Power BI or equivalent.
  • Experience in mass-energy reconciliation (Actual vs. Design).
• Interpersonal Skills:
  • Excellent communication and diplomacy skills; ability to persuade and influence relationships with internal customers (operations) and stakeholders (parent, consultants).
  • Track record of solving complex issues under deadline pressure.
  • Ability to work inclusively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Self-directed, with strong leadership attributes and results orientation.
• Language: Advanced level of English (written and spoken); French valued.

With operations on five continents and employees from more than 70 different countries, Eramet is an inherently diverse group. 

We are convinced that this diversity of talents and skills is an asset and we are actively engaged in recruiting the talented people who will be crucial to our success in the future, regardless of their gender, disability, age, social or cultural origin, sexual orientation and beliefs.

We are committed to offering all employees the support and development opportunities they need throughout their careers.