2.6. VP of Operations

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.  

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.  

Our Values:

● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong

● Lead with Compassion

● Be Resourceful

● Listen

● Hustle

Who we are looking for:

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Vice President of Operations (VP of Operations) to lead the establishment and operationalization of a state-of-the-art rare earth metals refining facility in Exeter, NH. This position will oversee the end-to-end development and operations management of the facility, ensuring world-class operational standards and alignment with the company’s objectives for efficiency, sustainability, and growth.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale operations management, facility buildout, and driving sustainable production practices. This position will play a vital role in ensuring Phoenix Tailings achieves its strategic objectives and maintains its leadership in sustainable rare earth metals refining.

• New facility development: Oversee the planning, design, and execution of our new rare earth metals refining facility, managing all aspects from commissioning to ensuring all infrastructure and operational systems are built to scale.
• Operational readiness and launch: Direct the transition from facility development to full operational capability, ensuring production systems and workflows are fully optimized.
• Process scaling and integration: Develop and implement scalable production processes, translating pilot-scale methodologies into efficient, large-scale operations.
•  Regulatory and environmental compliance: Ensure adherence to all permitting, safety, and environmental standards throughout the development and operational phases.
• Operational systems and infrastructure: Establish robust operational frameworks, including quality assurance, inventory management, and supply chain integration, to support sustained production.
• Organizational leadership: Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing operational team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Cost and efficiency optimization: Monitor and enhance facility performance, focusing on cost control, resource efficiency, and operational reliability.
• Strategic growth planning: Design and implement long-term strategies to expand facility capacity and adopt advanced technologies to meet evolving business needs.
• Risk assessment and mitigation: Anticipate potential risks in scaling operations or facility projects and develop strategies to mitigate those risks effectively.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in leading the development, commissioning, and operations of large-scale industrial, manufacturing, or refining facilities.
• Expertise in scaling production systems from pilot operations to full-scale manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of automation and process optimization in manufacturing or similar industries.
• Proven ability to manage regulatory and permitting processes in industrial settings.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

• Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
• Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families. 
• Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world. 
• Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations. 
• Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
• Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
• Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 

Phoenix Tailings is committed to empowering chemical engineers to take ownership of their work and make a lasting impact on the future of clean energy and metals production. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).