VP Plant Manager

Location: Singapore
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Climatetech / Battery Recycling / Chemical Processing / Advanced Manufacturing

Our Client

A pioneering Singapore-based climatetech company has developed the world's first patented electrochemical redox recycling method to recover critical lithium from LFP batteries used in EVs and energy storage systems. Recognized by leading institutions, the company is scaling rapidly to build a circular, low-carbon lithium supply chain and aims to become the largest, cleanest, and most neutral source of recycled lithium globally.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Vice President (Plant Manager) to lead the end-to-end scale-up of a proprietary electrochemical recycling process from lab and pilot through semi-commercial and commercial deployment. You will own engineering quality and delivery, manage EPCM/engineering partners, stand-up the Operations & Engineering organization, and ensure best-in-class safety, OEE, yield, and cost-per-ton performance. This is a hands-on leadership role based in Singapore with responsibility for permits (NEA/SCDF/MOM/PUB), plant commissioning, and ongoing operations, while establishing scalable frameworks for future international rollouts.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Scale-Up & Project Delivery

• Lead translation of lab and pilot learnings into robust, scalable, and cost-efficient commercial designs.
• Serve as internal owner for EPCM and third-party engineering consultants; review and challenge engineering deliverables.
• Define and enforce engineering quality, safety, and performance standards through commercialization.
• Deliver key milestones on schedule and within approved CAPEX.

Plant Setup & Execution

• Lead process design, planning, construction, commissioning, and deployment of a semi-commercial facility in Singapore.
• Oversee process layout, utilities, and infrastructure; ensure alignment of scope, schedule, CAPEX, and resources.
• Coordinate tightly with internal teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Operations Leadership

• Build and lead Operations & Engineering across process, production, maintenance, and logistics.
• Own end-to-end material flow from feedstock intake to outbound products.
• Drive plant KPIs: OEE, uptime, yield, cost-per-ton, and energy/water intensity.
• Plan and manage operational budgets and capital expenditures.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Secure and maintain permits and approvals with Singapore authorities (NEA, SCDF, MOM, PUB).
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling, process safety, waste management, and environmental discharge standards.
• Establish scalable compliance frameworks adaptable to international markets (US/EU familiarity a plus).

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor engineers in plant design, vendor management, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Convert R&D insights into process specifications and operating envelopes.
• Lead process validation, performance testing, and continuous improvement.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage engineering consultants, EPCs, and key contractors.
• Review P&IDs, layouts, HAZOP/LOPA, and safety documentation; ensure adherence to standards across phases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Leadership to ensure designs meet today's targets and tomorrow's scale.
• Report progress, risks, mitigations, and key decisions to the leadership team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering; MBA or PMP is a plus.
• 8-15 years in scaling industrial processes from lab/pilot to commercial operations, EPCM, or plant operations leadership-ideally within lithium, chemicals, or recycling sectors.
• Proven end-to-end delivery record (concept → detailed design → construction → commissioning → ramp-up).
• Deep knowledge of plant engineering design, commissioning, and manufacturing/maintenance systems.
• Strong operations management across material handling, SOPs, logistics, maintenance, and EH&S.
• Solid understanding of Singapore's regulatory environment (NEA, SCDF, MOM, PUB) and chemical plant safety standards.
• Experience mentoring engineers and operating in R&D-heavy, fast-iteration environments.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and communication skills in English.
• Flow battery, redox flow, electrochemical processes, or fuel cell experience.

Why Should You Apply?

• Lead the commercialization of a first-of-its-kind, patented electrochemical recycling platform.
• Own high-impact delivery from concept to commissioning to steady-state operations.
• Drive measurable climate and circularity outcomes in EV and energy storage supply chains.
• Build and scale a top-tier Operations & Engineering organization.
• Work alongside a mission-driven team recognized by global climate innovation leaders.
• Competitive compensation with leadership growth and future international expansion opportunities.