Technical Program Director – Advanced Lithium Extraction – Albemarle

Company and Job Overview

Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a leading global producer of lithium, bromine, and catalyst solutions. As one of the world’s largest lithium chemicals producers, our products enable today’s rapid growth in lithium-ion batteries that power everything from pacemakers to cell phones, to electric vehicles. Our unique lithium natural resource position, global derivatization capabilities and technology leadership allow Albemarle to execute an aggressive growth strategy. Join us to help develop the technologies and materials that will accelerate the electrification revolution!

The Technical Program Director is a senior leadership role responsible for managing successful implementation of Direct Lithium Extraction(DLE) technology across  key projects in a timely manner. The leader will also have matrixed oversight of functional teams and responsibility to manage critical schedule of DLE pilot projects implementation by lowering risks and managing budget. The technical program leader will provide cross functional leadership and build a team for program implementation across various functions like research and development, process development, procurements, legal, permitting, capital project team and operations.  The successful candidate will have a strong technical background and a track record of managing complex large technology projects developed by leading cross functional teams.

Responsibilities:

Technical Project Execution Leadership:

• Set clear project objectives, milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive technology project implementation strategy aligned with the company’s objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new integrated solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation.
• Oversee the entire technology solution deployment lifecycle, through stage gate and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from planning and testing to execution and production.
• Integrate and manage complex project dependencies including Technology, Capital project planning, administrative, environmental, and permitting requirements.

Technical Expertise & Derisking Initiatives:

• Monitor project progress, performance, and metrics to ensure successful implementation and production readiness.
• Identify potential technical risks associated with integrated solution projects and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address and resolve risks proactively.
• Continuously monitor project progress and implement adjustments to mitigate technical risks effectively.
• Understanding of the latest technology landscape and their potential applications in the company’s strategic fit into project implementation addressing project uptime requirements.
• Lead and provide mentorship to the team to ensure the successful execution of technology in the project addressing time in close collaboration with external partners.
• Develop and communicate clear rationale of technology benefits vs timely implementation of the project.

Complex Project Schedule Management:

• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, timelines, and milestones for technology implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align project priorities and resource allocation for technology.
• Ensure technolgoy projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Document and manage project risks and consult with project teams to address change management processes.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between different teams and stakeholders with clear alignment. .
• Develop and consult platform level resources to address project economics, seek external partner eco system and develop project with measurable sustainability around key utilities like water and energy.

External Collaboration:

• Cultivate strong relationships with strategic partners, suppliers, and external experts to leverage expertise and resources around various technologies.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to drive joint initiatives and foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in science, engineering or equivalent. An MBA degree is a plus.
• Min 10 years of project management technical experience in Chemical production or Oil and Gas water treatment projects
• Min. 5 years of Technical program management experience with complex projects involving new technology and higher execution risks.
• Demonstrated proven project /program management leadership capabilities by working and leading cross functional teams.
• Prior experience in Lithium or mining industry is a plus.
• Demonstrated strong technical understanding to challenge status quo and navigate through ‘out of the box’ project management approach.
• Having PMP certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Track record of successful project implementations in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change based on the needs of the organization.

Apply here

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.