Project Manager - Lithium & Process Plant

Job Description

Jobline Executive is recruiting on behalf of an innovative renewable energy company in Cornwall for an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of a landmark commercial lithium plant.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development of one of the UK's emerging commercial lithium projects, combining geothermal energy with critical mineral production to support a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

The Role

As Project Manager, you will act as the client's representative, overseeing the design and build contractor from initial design and procurement through to construction, commissioning and final handover to operations.

You'll take ownership of project delivery, ensuring the plant is completed safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. You'll also manage contracts, budgets, programme delivery, risk and stakeholder relationships, while providing progress updates to senior management and the Board.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the project from design through procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.

• Develop and manage the Project Execution Plan, programme, budget and risk register.

• Oversee design reviews, contractor performance, procurement and contract administration.

• Manage project costs, forecasting, cash flow and contractor payments.

• Monitor project milestones, programme performance and delivery risks.

• Champion health, safety, environmental compliance and quality throughout the project.

• Manage client responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

• Oversee commissioning, performance testing and the successful handover of the plant to operations.

• Lead the project team and coordinate technical specialists, contractors, regulators and other stakeholders.

• Prepare progress reports for senior management, the Board, investors and funders.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering major capital projects within an industrial, process engineering, energy or heavy engineering environment.

Essential experience and qualifications:

• A minimum of five years' experience managing capital projects.

• Client-side project management experience, overseeing design and build or EPC contractors through the full project lifecycle.

• A recognised project management qualification, such as APM PMQ or ChPP.

• A relevant health and safety qualification, such as NEBOSH or SMSTS.

• Strong knowledge of CDM 2015 client duties and UK health and safety legislation.

• Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets, cost control and forecasting.

• Experience administering construction contracts, ideally NEC or FIDIC.

• Competence in programme management, risk management and tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project.

• A degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, including reporting to senior management or Boards.

• A full UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK.

Desirable experience:

• Projects involving lithium extraction, battery materials, chemical processing, hydrometallurgy or water treatment.

• NEC Project Manager or FIDIC Engineer experience.

• Additional qualifications such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or MSP.

• Chartered status, such as CEng or ChPP, or membership of IChemE or IMechE.

• Experience of HAZOP, process safety, DSEAR or COMAH environments.

• Commissioning and handover of process plants.

• Experience with grant-funded or investor-funded projects.

• NEBOSH Diploma.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile project at the forefront of renewable energy and critical mineral production.

You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team developing the potential of combining geothermal power, heat and lithium extraction from the same source. Your work will help support Cornwall's journey towards net zero carbon by 2045, with opportunities to contribute to future expansion projects and new geothermal sites.

Please submit your CV in the first instance. Jobline Executive is an Equal Opportunities employer. Entitlement to work in the UK is essential