Vice President Operations Precious Metal Refining

Vice President Operations is responsible for overseeing the refining and processing of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and other precious metals, ensuring high-quality output, operational efficiency, and compliance with sustainability, ESG, and security protocols. The role focuses on wet chemistry-based refining, waste minimization, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), and process optimization, while integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational excellence and environmental sustainability.

The specialist will collaborate with internal teams, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders to maintain best-in-class refining practices, ensuring strict safety, security, and quality control while maximizing resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence & Refining Process Management:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end refining process for precious metals, ensuring high purity and yield optimization.
• Implement advanced refining techniques (pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrochemical processes) to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure the first-time-right principle, minimizing rework and waste.
• Oversee metal recovery and waste management to maximize value extraction.
• Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all refining activities.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Ensure all refining processes comply with industry standards, including ISO, OSHA, EcoVadis, and environmental regulations.
• Implement stringent quality control measures, metallurgical testing, and traceability protocols.
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions to maintain consistent product quality.
• Manage and prepare for regulatory audits and certifications.

Technology & Process Optimization:

• Stay updated on global trends in refining technology and integrate best practices into operations.
• Drive Industry 4.0 initiatives, leveraging automation, AI, and IoT for process efficiency.
• Optimize refining operations through Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and other business excellence methodologies.
• Lead the implementation of plant automation and digitalization initiatives.

Safety & Environmental Compliance:

• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to EHS regulations and best practices.
• Implement hazard management and risk assessment programs for refining operations.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Develop strategies for sustainable and eco-friendly refining operations.

Cost Management & Budgeting:

• Develop and oversee refining budgets, optimizing costs for manpower, raw materials, and utilities.
• Drive cost reduction through efficiency improvement, process innovation, and waste minimization.
• Evaluate and implement new sourcing and procurement strategies for raw materials and refining chemicals.

Stakeholder & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of refining engineers, technicians, and operators to achieve production goals.
• Collaborate with Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, IT, and Quality Assurance teams to align refining activities with business objectives.
• Provide technical consultation to customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure seamless coordination with precious metal trading and procurement teams for supply chain efficiency.

Preferred candidate profile

• Wet chemistry & advanced refining techniques aqua regia, solvent extraction, precipitation, electrowinning, pyrometallurgy.
• Sustainability & ESG compliance Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), carbon footprint reduction, green refining practices.
• Security & risk management physical security, regulatory compliance, anti-theft measures.
• Process automation & Industry 4.0 AI-driven process control, real-time monitoring, IoT applications.
• Lean manufacturing & continuous improvement Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, waste reduction strategies.
• Regulatory compliance & certifications ISO, OSHA, REACH, RoHS, EcoVadis, and industry best practices.
• Precious metal recovery optimization advanced analytics, real-time monitoring, yield maximization.

Key Requirements:

Education:

• B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field.
• Masters Degree in Business Administration (preferred).

Experience:

• 18-24 years of experience in precious metal refining, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong track record of managing large-scale refining plants and teams of 200 + employees.