Global Chief Operating Officer

Location: Central England & Gunsan, S Korea

Interim to Permanent/Permanent

Remuneration: Competitive Salary and attractive package

Our client is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of ground-breaking silicon-based anode materials which dramatically enhance the performance of Lithium‑Ion batteries. The company has a strong competitive position, possessing the largest patent portfolio globally for silicon anodes and a robust pipeline of commercial agreements with global OEMs and battery manufacturers. Their production facility in Gunsan is the first volume production facility globally for silicon‑carbon materials dedicated to enhancing lithium‑ion battery performance. This location provides the unique advantage of supply chain security and a reliable pipeline supply of critical monosilane gas, enabling efficient and uninterrupted manufacturing. The design of the operation allows for rapid scaling of production.

As the company develops process technology, developing equipment and technology, the engineering aspects of the company are very important to manage and grow.

The Chief Operating Officer Role

Reporting to the CEO, the COO has responsibility for 59 employees across the UK and Gunsan sites. The direct reports include: VP Engineering, Head of Process Development, Head of Quality, and Plant Manager.

Responsibilities Include:

• Leading manufacturing operations, ensuring successful build out of the capacity, capability and resource to meet demand, while ensuring there is a scalable manufacturing platform to realise longer term plans.
• Develop plans for expansion of existing site while improving capex-efficiency.
• Work with EPC to complete FEED studies, basic and detailed engineering plans for Phase 2 of production at Gunsan.
• Provide strong leadership and effective management to guide and scale the operations team, ensuring the right level of energy, professionalism, capability and focus for this ambitious company.
• Champion introduction and implementation of best-in-class safety and risk assessment practices within a manufacturing plant.
• Continue the optimisation of the batch production process such that it is suitable for delivering commercial volumes of product to multiple partners.
• Engage and guide process development activity that results in improvements in the quality and performance of materials produced, while also improving the utilisation and cost profile of fixed assets and raw materials.
• Build productive relationships with strategic suppliers and partners, including chemical companies and equipment manufacturers, ensuring that the company is able to source material and equipment at the best price, and that its interests are protected at all times.
• Deliver timely, well-articulated summaries to the leadership and board of directors providing a clear understanding of the status, opportunities and challenges facing the operations team at all times.
• Introduce creative approaches to problem solving through collaborations with the entire organisation, in particular, Process Development and Engineering teams.
• Create a culture of excellence around production, operations, cost reduction, supply chain, manufacturing, quality and health & safety, ensuring that best practices are adhered to at all times.

Key Requirements:

• Must have an Engineering (preferable Chem Eng) or Chemistry degree.
• Several years’ experience operating complex large scale international plants in Asia.
• Highly credible Engineer and manufacturing expert with extensive experience designing and commissioning new plants for high-value materials, including transitioning processes from batch to continuous manufacturing; familiarity with horizontal trough processes is desirable.
• Deep expertise in process development and deposition techniques, and a passion for next-generation manufacturing technologies.
• Designs production systems with modularity and scalability in mind, understanding their critical role in efficient scaleup.
• Intellectually rigorous and naturally curious, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to simplify complex challenges without losing technical depth.
• Entrepreneurial in spirit and a player/manager in approach, comfortable operating in ambiguous, resource-constrained and fast-changing environments.
• Collaborative team member with the judgement to lead or support as needed, and a strong instinct for contributing effectively in any context.
• High-energy, resilient and goal-driven, operating with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect.

This is an opportunity to be a key player in a fast growing and highly respected company, already a global leader in its field, with exciting plans for expansion in a rapidly expanding market.