Who We Are Looking For: Phoenix Tailings is seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Vice President of Projects to lead the development and buildout of our Freedom Facility, a first of its kind rare earth metal refining facility
The VP of Projects will take ownership of the project from engineering and detailed planning through procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and handoff to operations. A central part of the role will be selecting, directing, and holding accountable EPCM partners while ensuring Phoenix Tailings maintains strong owner-side control of scope, cost, schedule, quality, and technical decisions.
The ideal candidate combines the structure and discipline required to deliver a major industrial capital program with the adaptability and resourcefulness needed in a fast-growing company. This person will work closely with internal technical teams, EPCM partners, contractors, equipment suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders while building the systems and project organization required for successful execution.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the full buildout of the Freedom Facility from Front-End Engineering Design and project planning through construction, commissioning, startup, and operational handoff.
- Develop and own the overall project execution strategy, including the EPCM contracting model, scope allocation, governance, procurement approach, project controls, and risk management.
- Select, negotiate with, and manage EPCM partners, engineering firms, construction contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
- Serve as the senior owner-side leader responsible for project scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, change control, and delivery performance.
- Establish clear interfaces between Phoenix Tailings, EPCM partners, vendors, contractors, and internal technical and operating teams.
- Build and lead the internal projects organization, including project management, project controls, procurement, scheduling, construction management, and commissioning.
- Lead procurement and contract management for long-lead process equipment, construction services, facility infrastructure, and critical materials.
- Coordinate the integration of process systems, utilities, controls, site infrastructure, and supporting facility functions, ensuring EPCM deliverables meet operational requirements.
- Oversee permitting, environmental reviews, site-development activities, utility coordination, and regulatory engagement.
- Embed Process Safety Management and strong environmental, health, and safety standards throughout EPCM design, construction, commissioning, and startup.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and EHS to ensure the facility is safe, operable, maintainable, and ready for production.
- Provide clear project updates to executive leadership and proactively resolve EPCM performance, commercial, technical, cost, and schedule issues.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
- 15+ years of experience delivering complex industrial capital projects in chemical processing, mining, metallurgy, refining, advanced materials, or a related industry.
- At least 5 years of senior project leadership or executive-level experience.
- Proven success leading a major greenfield industrial project from engineering through construction, commissioning, and commercial operation.
- Significant experience selecting, contracting, and managing EPCM partners on large, complex capital programs.
- Strong understanding of EPCM commercial structures, scope development, owner-contractor interfaces, change management, claims avoidance, and contractor performance management.
- Experience managing large capital programs, preferably above $500 million.
- Expertise in project controls, cost management, scheduling, forecasting, procurement, contracting, and risk management.
- Technical familiarity with chemical separations, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, high-temperature processing, electrochemical processing, or metals refining.
- Working knowledge of industrial permitting, Process Safety Management, hazardous-material handling, wastewater systems, and environmental compliance.
- Strong leadership, commercial judgment, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to build project systems and teams while operating effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Willingness to work from the Exeter, New Hampshire office and travel as required.
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.
- Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
- Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
- Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
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.
