Battery Recycling Pilot Unit Manager

Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. Our purpose—we bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress—is a call to go beyond, to reinvent future forms of progress and create sustainable shared value for all through the power of science. In a world facing an ever-growing population and quest for resources, we aim to be the driving force triggering the next breakthroughs to enable humanity to advance while protecting the planet we all share.

We bond with customers and partners to address today and tomorrow’s megatrends. As a global leader in Materials, Chemicals and Solutions, Solvay brings advancements in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, water and air treatment, to solve critical industrial, social and environmental challenges. You can count on our innovative solutions to contribute to safer, cleaner and more sustainable future.

**Role Overview**

**We are looking for**:

- A Pilot Plant Manager to own the operation of the Battery Recycling Pilot plant in our La Rochelle Development Center.
- As an employee of the Research & Innovation function, you will be responsible to ensure the delivery of project deliverables, focusing on an innovative Li-Ion Battery recycling process scheme, leveraging Solvay know-how in the field of critical metal refining.
- You must be a skilled and experienced manager, with a background in hydrometallurgy and chemical engineering processes, ideally with a PhD in the field.
- You should be results-oriented, customer-focused, possess excellent collaboration skills, and be open-minded to the dynamic environment of a pilot facility and more broadly, a research environment in general

**We count on you for**:

- Supervising and managing the pilot unit that specialize in battery recycling projects located in La Rochelle, with strong interactions with our teams located in Lyon, Aubervilliers and in the United States.
- Guaranteeing the scientific and technical quality of the research program you will drive, while adhering to QHSE R&I processes.
- Managing and developing your team skills and competencies through annual performance reviews, defining and evaluating annual objectives, and training plan.

**You can count on us for**:

- Providing a challenging and stimulating work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individual differences and backgrounds.

**You will bring**:

- A PhD in Hydrometallurgy, Chemistry or process engineering
- Proven experience in process development, solvent exchange or chemical reaction synthesis in inorganic chemistry.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects effectively.
- Fluency in French and English are required
- Open-mindedness
- Customer service orientation
- Proactivity, a dynamic mindset, curiosity and creativity

**You will get**:

- Competitive salary and benefits package
- 16 weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave
- Training platform for all employees
- Free language courses (24 languages available)
- Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

**Additional information**:

- #LI-AA1
- #LI-Onsite

**About us**

After 50 years, we are going back to the Moon... Solvay Materials are making it possible once again for Humans to return to the Moon. Check here our Artemis missions with NASA: we will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.

Solvay’s purpose is to bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. We can only fulfill this purpose with a diverse workforce that feels respected and appreciated, and has equal opportunities to work, grow and thrive. Our differences, visible or not, are valued. As Solvay seeks to promote unity and not uniformity, we invite you - regardless of background, age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity - to consider a future with us.