lead - lithium battery recycling

Confidential Company is seeking a Lead for lithium-ion battery recycling operations in Dubai. The role involves managing end-to-end plant execution, optimizing processes, ensuring safety compliance, and leading a team. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 7 years of experience in industrial operations, preferably in recycling or battery manufacturing. The position offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to influence sustainable practices.
We are seeking an experienced Lead to build, run, and scale lithium-ion battery recycling operations. This role owns end-to-end plant execution—from feedstock intake and safe handling through mechanical/chemical processing, black mass recovery, quality control, and shipment.You’ll combine process engineering mindset, safety leadership, and people management to deliver efficient, compliant, and scalable recycling operations.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & Process ManagementLead daily recycling operations including battery intake, discharging, dismantling, shredding, separation, and materials recoveryOptimize throughput, yield, recovery rates, and plant uptimeImplement SOPs for mechanical and hydrometallurgical processesManage production planning, maintenance coordination, and inventory flowSafety, Compliance & EHSOwn EHS programs related to lithium-ion batteries (fire risk, thermal runaway, hazardous materials)Ensure compliance with local, national, and international environmental regulationsLead incident investigations, audits, and corrective actionsTrain teams on safe handling, storage, and processing of batteriesTeam LeadershipBuild, train, and manage plant operators, technicians, and shift supervisorsSet performance KPIs and drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvementCoordinate with engineering, R&D, and quality teamsContinuous Improvement & Scale-UpIdentify process bottlenecks and implement lean manufacturing improvementsSupport commissioning of new equipment and scale-up of pilot to commercial operationsCollaborate on process innovation to improve recovery efficiency and reduce costsStakeholder & Cross-Functional CollaborationWork with supply chain teams on feedstock sourcing and output logisticsCoordinate with customers, regulators, and vendors as neededProvide regular reporting on operations, safety, and performance metricsQualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field7+ years of experience in industrial operations, preferably in recycling, chemicals, mining, metals, or battery manufacturingDirect experience managing hazardous materials operationsProven people leadership in a plant or industrial environmentPreferredExperience with lithium-ion battery recycling, black mass processing, or hydrometallurgyKnowledge of fire suppression systems and battery safety standardsFamiliarity with ISO, OSHA, EPA, or equivalent regulatory frameworksStartup or scale-up environment experienceSkills & CompetenciesStrong operational execution and problem-solving skillsDeep commitment to safety and complianceData-driven decision making (KPIs, yield analysis, downtime tracking)Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical teamsComfortable working in fast-moving, ambiguous environmentsWhat We OfferOpportunity to lead operations in a high-impact sustainability sectorCompetitive compensation and benefitsOwnership and influence in building a next-generation recycling platform Battery recycling experience