Senior Metallurgist

ahkgroup; Truro; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Alfred H Knight in Truro, Cornwall, is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to shape and scope testing campaigns, lead pilot plant operations, and pioneer new services within our Mineral Processing unit.

Reporting to the Principal Metallurgist, you will manage complex metallurgical testwork, provide technical leadership, and collaborate with global client management to deliver high-impact solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of mineral processing and metallurgical principles.
• Ability to conceptualise and design complex metallurgical testwork programs and multi-disciplinary campaigns.
• Competent in contract negotiations, project scoping, proposal writing, and direct client management.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership within a laboratory setting, driving testing forward while ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both colleagues and clients to support project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design metallurgical testwork campaigns and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Lead pilot plant operations and testing.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring within the lab.
• Collaborate with global client management to deliver results.

Skills

Mineral processing

Metallurgical principles

Lab leadership

Client management

Testwork design

Education

BSc in Metallurgy or related

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or QP membership desirable

Tools

MS Office

Google Suite

Job description

WHAT IS ON OFFER

Are you a senior technical specialist looking to drive real innovation in a globally recognized, expanding business?

Due to significant growth and continued investment into our technical capabilities across Alfred H Knight, we are excited to expand our Truro, Cornwall team with a brand-new Senior Metallurgist position.

This is a high-impact, influential role within our specialist Mineral Processing unit. Reporting directly to the Principal Metallurgist, you won't just be running routine tests—you will actively shape and scope testing campaigns, direct studies, lead pilot plant operations, and pioneer new commercial services.

Why Join Us in Truro?

• Investment & Growth: You'll be joining an expanding team backed by ongoing investment in modern lab technology, facilities, and R&D.
• Technical Ownership: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team while serving as a key senior technical advisor to global client management teams.
• Lifestyle & Location: Based in the heart of Cornwall, this role offers the perfect balance of a high-impact technical career alongside an unbeatable coastal quality of life.

ABOUT US

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people. Click here to find out more about AHK.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

To be successful at Alfred H Knight you will need to display the following:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Strong understanding of mineral processing and metallurgical principles.
• Ability to conceptualise and design complex metallurgical testwork programs and multi-disciplinary campaigns.
• Competent in contract negotiations, project scoping, proposal writing, and direct client management.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership within a laboratory setting, driving testing forward while ensuringquality and safety standards.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both colleagues and clients to support project delivery

Required Competencies

• Skilled at delivering clear instructions to colleagues and concise summaries of testing progress and outcomes.
• Effective at balancing multiple project priorities, assessing resource needs, and hitting tight deadlines.
• Self-directed and able to work independently while collaborating effectively and mentoring team members.
• Proficient with MS Office and Google Suite for data entry, calculations, and technical analysis.

Required Work Experience

• Practical experience in laboratory operations, testwork design, data interpretation, and managing testwork programmes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BSc) or higher (or equivalent) in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering discipline (essential).
• Active membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IOM3, AusIMM, IChemE) (desirable).
• Qualified Person (QP) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards (desirable)

Travel

• Occasional international or domestic travel may be required depending on business and project needs.

BENEFITS

We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match including pension, life assurance and an employee assistance programme.

If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.