Director of Operations

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Director of Operations to manage day-to-day operations and support the development of a new facility in Exeter, NH. The role involves optimizing processes, collaborating with teams and external partners, and ensuring sustainable production systems. Candidates should have experience in operational management within growing companies. This position offers an opportunity to influence clean metals production while leading a dedicated operations team.
About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.

Our Values
• You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
• Lead with Compassion
• Be Resourceful
• Listen
• Hustle

Who We Are Looking For

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a skilled and driven Director of Operations to oversee day-to-day operational activities, support facility development, and ensure smooth scaling of production systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in managing operations within growing companies, working with production systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners, including EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms. This role would start in our Burlington, MA facility then transfer to our new Exeter facility.

This role will focus on executing scaling and building out our new facility, building operational plans, optimizing processes, and ensuring Phoenix Tailings’ facilities and systems are aligned with the company’s goals for efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of clean metals, supporting engineering development and advancing clean tech methods while developing a team committed to excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Key Responsibilities
• Support the development and execute the company’s operational strategies to drive efficiency and scalability.
• Implement operational improvements to meet both short-term and long-term company goals.
• Collaborate with EPC firms and internal teams to support the planning, design, and construction of production facility in Exeter.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, addressing challenges as they arise.
• Assist in scaling production systems from pilot to full-scale manufacturing, focusing on process efficiency and sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for incorporating automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Partner with engineering, R&D, finance, and other departments to align operational initiatives with company objectives.
• Act as a liaison between teams to ensure operational needs are effectively communicated and addressed.
• Oversee daily operational activities, ensuring smooth workflow, compliance with safety protocols, and consistent quality standards.
• Monitor key operational metrics and provide reports to leadership on progress and improvements.
• Assist in identifying risks associated with facility buildout, production scaling, and operational processes.
• Contribute to developing mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.
• Manage and support the operations team, providing guidance, training, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Build a team capable of scaling with the company’s growth trajectory.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Solid experience in managing operations, facility buildout, or production systems within a startup or rapidly scaling environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners, including EPC firms.
• Strong project management skills with experience tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and sustainable practices.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing operational teams.

We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
• Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
• Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
• Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
• Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
• Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
• Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
• Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.

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.

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).