What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Operations & Maintenance Manager position at SYRAH TECHNOLOGIES LLC?
About Syrah
Syrah Resources Limited is an Australian Securities Exchange listed (ASX: SYR) industrial minerals and technology company with its flagship Balama Graphite Operation in Mozambique (“Balama”) and a downstream Active Anode Material Project in Vidalia, Louisiana USA (“Vidalia”). Syrah’s Vision is to be the world’s leading supplier of superior quality graphite and anode material products, working closely with customers and the supply chain to add value in battery and industrial markets.
At Syrah, our people are our point of difference. In pursuit of our Vision, we have established and continue to drive a high performance culture founded on our Company Values where employees, contract partners and value chain participants are treated with fairness and respect, and where ethical and sustainable business practices are upheld.
We are proud of our workforce diversity and remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all of our employees. Accordingly, Syrah keeps an open mind to its recruitment and selection processes and strongly encourages people from all different backgrounds to apply for a role with the Company. Flexible working options are available to ensure we reach the widest pool of talent possible.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Senior Operations & Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Vidalia Active Anode Material (AAM) facility. The role provides integrated leadership across production, maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement functions to ensure operational excellence, cost competitiveness, and compliance with all safety and environmental standards.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the General Manager Vidalia AAM Operations (Phase 2), this position is accountable for delivering production targets, plant performance outcomes, and asset integrity while fostering a strong safety culture and high-performing workforce. The role is accountable for the Operations including Control Room, Material Handlers, Maintenance, Planning and Reliability at site.
Operational Leadership
- Lead day-to-day plant operations and maintenance activities (milling, purification, drying, coating, and carbonization areas)
- Deliver production volumes, quality standards, and cost targets aligned with business plans
- Ensure operational readiness and optimal performance of plant assets
- Drive disciplined execution of production schedules and throughput optimization
Maintenance & Reliability
- Establish and maintain best-practice preventive and predictive maintenance programs
- Improve equipment uptime, reliability metrics, and overall equipment effectiveness
- Oversee shutdown planning and execution
- Ensure appropriate spare parts and asset lifecycle management strategies are in place
Safety, Environmental & Compliance
- Champion a zero-harm safety culture
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable federal, state and local regulations
- Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions
- Maintain compliance with environmental permits and reporting obligations
Technical & Process Excellence
- Provide technical leadership in graphite anode materials processing (or equivalent advanced materials / chemical manufacturing processes)
- Drive process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction initiatives
- Support scale-up activities, new process integration, and technology improvements
- Collaborate with engineering and technical teams on capital projects and plant upgrades
Leadership & People Management
- Lead and develop a workforce of approximately 60 personnel
- Build strong frontline leadership capability through supervisors / superintendents
- Implement succession planning and capability development programs
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational discipline
Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Manage operating and maintenance budgets
- Monitor and control operating costs
- Support long-term asset planning and capital expenditure prioritization
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
- 10 years of experience in heavy industrial, chemical processing, advanced materials, battery materials, or equivalent manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated experience in graphite anode materials production or a closely related process-intensive industry preferred
- Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams
- Strong technical understanding of continuous process operations and maintenance systems
- Experience with lean manufacturing, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and continuous improvement methodologies
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Strong local decision-making capability and accountability
- Operationally focused with sound technical judgement
- Results-driven with strong commercial awareness
- High-level problem-solving and analytical capability
- Effective communicator across frontline and executive stakeholders
- Ability to lead in a complex, high-growth manufacturing environment
- Strong ability to engage with, and drive outcomes within a team environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills