Principal Metallurgist

We have an opportunity for a Principal Metallurgist, who will be a technical leader responsible for the design, management, and delivery of complex metallurgical test programs within a mineral processing laboratory environment. This role combines deep technical expertise with project leadership, client engagement, and mentoring of staff.

The Principal Metallurgist will contribute to innovation, quality assurance, and strategic development of metallurgical services.

• Project Leadership: Lead and manage high‑level metallurgical test programs, including scoping, planning, execution, interpretation, and reporting.
• Technical Expertise: Provide advanced technical input across a range of mineral processing techniques including flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, leaching, and comminution.
• Client Engagement: Act as a key technical contact for clients, providing consultancy, updates, and strategic advice throughout project lifecycles.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Oversee the interpretation of complex datasets and ensure the delivery of high‑quality technical reports and recommendations.
• Mentorship & Development: Support the development of junior metallurgists and technicians through training, supervision, and technical guidance.
• Quality & Safety: Uphold laboratory standards for safety, quality control, and continuous improvement in metallurgical practices.

About Us: SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,500 employees working in 125 countries around the world, including over 1,000 staff across Europe. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

• Postgraduate qualification in Minerals Engineering, Metallurgy, or related discipline (e.g., MSc, MEng, PgDIP).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in mineral processing, with significant exposure to laboratory and pilot‑scale testwork.
• Proven track record in managing complex metallurgical programs and delivering client‑focused solutions.
• Experience with a wide range of deposit types and processing flowsheets.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., IOM3) is desirable.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Proficiency in metallurgical software and data analysis tools.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR: We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.