Project Manager - Feed Supply & Process Development m / w / d (Germany or Canada)

Neo Performance Materials; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A materials technology company is seeking a Project Manager to oversee international supplier projects and manage technical project execution in the mining and metals industry. Candidates should have 8-10 years of experience, ideally with knowledge of metallurgical processes. Fluency in German is preferred, and the role may require national and international travel. This position is based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Leistungen

Dynamic international environment

Collaborative teams

Competitive rewards

Qualifikationen

• 8-10 years of experience in technical project management in the mining and metals industry.
• Fluency in German preferred; knowledge of Russian an asset.
• Track record in managing B2B technical projects.

Aufgaben

• Lead cross-functional teams in project execution.
• Coordinate between internal departments and external partners.
• Manage all phases of project execution from RFQ to ramp-up.

Kenntnisse

Project Management

Communication

Interpersonal Relationships

Metallurgical Processes

Negotiation Skills

Ausbildung

B.Sc or B.Eng in Metallurgy or related field

M.Sc, M.Eng or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Project Management Software

Jobbeschreibung

We are currently looking to fill one position, with the option to be based in either Germany or Canada

Neo Performance Materials Helps Build Technologies of Tomorrow

Neo is fast-forwarding the green energy transition by manufacturing the critical building blocks of modern, sustainable technologies. Our advanced industrial materials—including magnetic powders and magnets, specialty chemicals, metals, and alloys—enhance efficiency and performance in everyday products and next-generation innovations.

Neo operates three business segments : Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides, and Rare Metals. With a global footprint, we have eight manufacturing facilities across China, the United States, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, along with a dedicated research and development center in Singapore. Join us in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Supplier Project Leadership & Process Development

• Serve as the primary project interface for key international suppliers in rare earth and minor metals projects.
• Understand supplier and Neo feed specifications and translate them into internal project requirements (incl. metallurgical feasibility and supply chain needs -applications).
• Develop and champion a world-class environment for Feed Supply, Process Development and Project Management within the Rare Metals and Chemicals & Oxides divisions of Neo Performance Materials.
• Develop / pitch new feed supply and, if required, process development ideas and justify new work with preliminary supporting techno-economic analysis in collaboration with the commercial team.
• Manage all phases of project execution, from initial RFQ and sampling to qualification, validation, and ramp-up.
• Coordinate between internal departments (production, R&D, quality, commercial) and external partners to ensure timely and successful delivery.

Technical Project Management & Metallurgical Expertise

• Help define the Scope of Work that needs to be executed by 3rd-party vendors, consultants, and technology providers in support of R&D initiatives for feed qualification.
• Support suppliers in selecting the right materials and process routes for their feed to be compatible with Neo processing applications (automotive, energy, electronics, etc.).
• Assist in scaling lab solutions to industrial production with consideration of cost, quality, and compliance.

Project & Commercial Integration

• Engage with multi-disciplinary scientific and technical staff to provide scientific and engineering resources to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Track project milestones, risks, and resource planning in alignment with (strategic) business priorities.
• Serve as the project manager interface between 3rd-party technology teams, vendors, consultants, tolling / JV partners, or technology providers and internal subject matter experts / engineers.
• Support contract negotiation with technical input and cost / benefit assessments.
• Contribute to the development of customer proposals, pricing strategies, and margin management.
• Present project updates and technical solutions internally and externally in a clear and structured manner.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND / OR EXPERIENCE / TRAINING

Education and / or Experience :

• B.Sc or B.Eng degree in Metallurgy, Mining, Mineral Processing, Chemical / Process Engineering, or a related field would be an asset for this position. Although not a requirement, advanced degrees (M.Sc, M.Eng or PhD) would be a plus.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in industrial technical project management or technical customer service within the mining and metals industry (post education).
• Proven track record in managing complex B2B technical projects with cross-functional teams and the required communication skills.
• Knowledge of minor metals (e.g. tantalum, niobium, hafnium, etc.), rare earths and their mining and mineral processing methods is highly desirable.
• Experience working with suppliers in the mining and metallurgy industry that serve the automotive, aerospace, electronics or energy sector is a strong plus.
• Qualifications :
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with all levels of administrative, technical and commercial / financial staff.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills in technical and commercial contexts.
• Technical understanding of metallurgical processes and industrial production standards.
• Structured and analytical approach to problem solving and decision making.
• Hands-on mentality combined with strategic thinking and business orientation.

Language Skills & Additional Eligibility :

• German – fluent (preferred).
• Russian or other Eastern European languages – a strong asset (due to regular contact with production teams and suppliers).
• This role will be based in either our Peterborough office (Canada) or Cologne office (Germany).
• Available for national and international travel to other Neo sites in the EU and partner sites for testing & development as required (~20%).

What We Offer

Join us and thrive in a dynamic international environment where exciting projects, innovation, and personal growth are encouraged, supported by collaborative teams and competitive rewards.

Neo is committed to equal opportunity employment. Accommodations are available upon request from people with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Project Manager • Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany