About Imerys British LithiumWith revenues approaching $4bn, Imerys is a global organisation specialising in the production and processing of industrial minerals. Imerys is one of Cornwall’s largest employers and has been operating in the UK for over 25 years, mining and processing China clay – also known as kaolin – ball clay and calcium carbonate. One of its discussed kaolin pits in mid-Cornwall is home to a significant lithium resource.
Launched in 2023, Imerys British Lithium (IBL) was initially a joint venture between Imerys and British Lithium. At the end of 2024, Imerys took on full ownership of the company. This decision is in line with Imerys’ strategic positioning in the developing European lithium market. Imerys’ ambition is to contribute to the UK and European energy transition by supplying lithium to the electric vehicle battery supply chain.
The RoleIn this newly created role, the Head of Project Delivery, reporting to the Project Director, will be responsible for the engineering design, construction and delivery of the IBL lithium project. The role encompasses managing the project lifecycle from the pre-feasibility study, detailed design and engineering, construction through to commissioning and start-up, and ensuring the plant's operational readiness by end of the decade.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Own the safe delivery of the IBL project, from the current pre-feasibility phase up to and including commissioning and start-up.
- Coordinate with engineering firms to design the commercial plant and infrastructure, ensuring cross-disciplinary integration (process, mining, civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation).
- Project planning and execution: Verify equipment specifications, conduct trade-off studies, and define project and contract execution strategies.
- Financial and procurement management: Deliver capex estimations, develop CER dossiers, and manage RFP/RFQs, including bid evaluations and recommendations.
- Operational support and safety: Monitor engineering and construction progress, support project management, and ensure safety and compliance throughout all phases.
The PersonThis exciting role will suit a proven project / programme leader with a track record of delivering large scale industrial projects (min c£250m CAPEX). It is essential that this person has experience within the heavy processing industries, with chemical, mineral processing, mining or refining experience an advantage, and possesses detailed knowledge of CDM regulations. It is also essential that this person has experience in the pre-feasibility and design feasibility study phases as well as execution.
- Expertise in Large-Scale Projects: Experience managing large industrial capital projects, including major revamping projects ensuring coordination and compliance with CDM regulations.
- International Procurement and Management: Experienced in international engineering contracts (EPC, EPCm), equipment procurement and overseeing construction works.
- Sector-Specific Experience: Extensive background in engineering, construction and project management within the heavy process industry.
- Dual Project Management: Skilled in managing both Greenfield and Brownfield projects, enhancing safety, reliability and performance.
- Multicultural and Analytical Skills: Adept at collaborating with international teams, analysing solutions, and ensuring project success through technical-cost approaches and procurement strategies.
Qualifications
- A degree in BEng, MEng, or equivalent in a related field.
- Project Management certification.
- Proven experience in the pre-feasibility and design feasibility study phases as well as project execution.
Location and Package
- This role is based in Cornwall and requires occasional business travel.
- The package offers an attractive salary plus car allowance and a significant bonus, along with additional benefits. Relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate if relocating outside of a commutable distance.
Colin Roope
Associate Partner - Manufacturing and Engineering Practice
T: +44 (0) 203 7442023
M: +44 (0) 7989 410186
