Key Services & Transition Support DirectorRoleWe are seeking a Key Services & Transition Support Director to support a transition of our Thacker Pass Plant from Execution to Operations, and the set-up of EHSQ (Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality) systems for our company. In this role, you will support Lithium Nevada's efforts in leading the strategy that ensures workplace safety with both OSHA & MSHA best practices, work closely with the operations teams to ensure an effective startup of the plant, set up environmental protection with regulatory compliance, and implement a top-tier quality management system across the organization. This role will work closely with the Operations, Supply Chain, Corporate ESG, Commercial, and Finance teams to ensure best in class processes and systems are implemented across the business. Functions reporting to this role will include Safety, Security, Environmental, and Quality for the Thacker Pass Site.
The role is based in Winnemucca, NV, and reports to the Executive VP of Project and Operations. Travel to other LAC offices, industry conferences, customer sites, project sites, vendor locations, and other will be required as needed.
Key Responsibilities - Strategic Leadership: Design and execute long-term visions, policies, and management systems across multiple sites for the business.
- Site Leadership: This role oversees multiple site services functions and programs for our operations team to help guide us in setting up the programs and processes to ensure a successful startup of our Thacker Pass Plant.
- Support our Operations Site Director in ensuring our Commissioning, ramp up and operational programs are being safely executed on-track and budget. This may require leading certain Committees as directed by the Operations Director.
- Culture Building: Drive a proactive, behavior-based safety, environmental, and quality culture that engages employees at all levels and sites.
- Program Management: Design, implement, and direct comprehensive support or transitional programs with the Project and Operations Teams.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain full compliance with local, state, and federal laws (such as OSHA, MSHA, EPA - NDEP, BLM, etc.), managing permits, inspections, and agency relations.
- Quality Assurance: Integrate quality control standards with safety protocols to ensure operational excellence and defect reduction.
- Customer Corrective Action System: Identify, lead, and implement customer resolution and improvement system for the company.
- Standards Implementation: Lead initiatives to certify sites under ISO standards (ISO-9001 Quality, ISO-14001 Environmental, and ISO-45001 Safety), mining standards such as RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative) and IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance), as well as others.
- Risk Management: Oversee risk assessments, hazard evaluations, and root-cause analyses following safety or quality incidents.
- Performance Tracking: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure injury rates, environmental impact, and quality metrics, reporting updates directly to executive leadership.
- Budget & Team Management: Direct departmental budgets, allocate resources, and supervise regional personnel or external contractors.
- Partner Interaction: Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and standards for safety, environmental compliance, and quality with LAC partners that provide service to Thacker Pass in mining, logistics, product handling, etc.
- Champion a positive culture of safety, environmental stewardship, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Build trusted relationships across all teams and the community while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Technical, or Equivalent with strong skills and understanding of Operations, Safety, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Quality Management systems.
- Key Skills: Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational capabilities paired with knowledge of compliance regulations.
- 15 plus years of experience in Operations, EHS, or Quality Management within the chemical, mineral, or hydrometallurgical industries with demonstrated management of these functions.
- Proven ability to manage operations, safety, environmental, and quality and implement process improvements.
- Strong understanding of transitional management from commissioning, startup, and to continuous operations with chemical process engineering principles and unit operations.
- Familiarity with large-scale chemical, mineral, or hydrometallurgical processes preferred.
- Experience in an OSHA PSM facility and MSHA preferred.
- Knowing QA/QC and implementing ISO systems.
- Experience in working with Customers and implementing Corrective Action Systems and Processes.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with ability to collaborate and influence teams.
- Self-starter with a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, Quality, and operational excellence.
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas' Purpose, Vision, and Values
Working at Lithium AmericasAt Lithium Americas, we believe our people are our most valuable asset. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for long-term growth and skills development.
We are committed to building a diverse and respectful workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
