Chief Operating Officer

SGInnovate; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A climatetech startup in Singapore seeks an experienced leader to drive the commercialization of its patented lithium recycling technology. The role requires extensive engineering expertise, particularly in scaling processes from lab to industrial levels. The candidate will oversee operations, guide junior engineers, and ensure regulatory compliance. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with 8-15 years of relevant experience. Knowledge of Singapore's regulatory framework is crucial for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 8-15 years of experience in scaling industrial processes.
• Proven track record in taking technologies from pilot stage to full-scale operations.
• Deep understanding of plant engineering design and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end scale-up of NEU’s recycling process.
• Build, lead, and manage the Operations & Engineering departments.
• Secure all relevant Singapore permits and approvals.

Skills

Engineering Leadership

Operational Excellence

Regulatory Compliance

Analytical Thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering

MBA or PMP

Job description

This role is with NEU Battery Materials, a startup supported by SGInnovate.

Background

Founded in 2021, NEU Battery Materials is a Singapore-based climatetech company that developed the world’s first patented electrochemical redox recycling method to recycle used lithium batteries. The company focuses on extracting critical lithium from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are found in electric cars and energy storage systems, which will be key in developing a circular supply chain. NEU aims to be the largest, cleanest, and most neutral source of recycled lithium globally. NEU’s contribution to electrification and circularity has been recognized by the likes of the Temasek Foundation, BloombergNEF, Forbes Asia, and many others.

Objectives

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Timely project delivery: deliver key milestones on schedule and within approved capital expenditure plan
• Performance: improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), uptime, yield, and cost-efficiency versus plan
• Safety & compliance: ensure operational safety, and secure and maintain permits with the relevant regulatory authorities
• Operating system & team: build the Operations & Engineering organization and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Responsibilities

Engineering Scale Up & Project Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end scale-up of NEU’s proprietary recycling process from lab-scale to commercial-scale
• Translate lab-scale and pilot insights into scalable, cost-efficient commercial engineering solutions
• Serve as internal owner for EPCM contractors or third-party engineering consultants
• Establish and enforce engineering quality, safety, and performance standards for commercialisation

Plant Setup & Execution

• Lead the design, planning, construction, commissioning and technological deployment of of NEU’s semi-commercial facility
• Oversee process layout, utilities, and infrastructure development
• Define project scope, schedule, CAPEX, and resource plans, while ensuring delivery on time and within budget
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure alignment across all workstreams

Operations Leadership

• Build, lead, and manage the Operations & Engineering departments across process, production, maintenance, and logistics
• Lead and oversee day-to-day operations of the plant
• Manage and own the full material flow, from feedstock intake to outboard materials
• Drive OEE, uptime, cost-per-ton, and other plant performance KPIs
• Plan and forecast operational budgets and capital expenditures

Regulatory & Compliance

• Secure all relevant Singapore permits and approvals (e.g. NEA, SCDF, MOM, PUB)
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling, safety, waste management, and environmental discharge standards
• Establish scalable frameworks for regulatory compliance applicable to international markets

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Guide and mentor junior engineers in plant design, vendor management, and commissioning
• Translate R&D insights into robust, scalable process specifications
• Support process validation, performance testing, and troubleshooting during commissioning

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage engineering consultants, EPCs, and contractors
• Review engineering deliverables, drawings, and safety documentation
• Ensure quality, safety, and technical standards are met at all stages

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with R&D, Operations, and Management to ensure plant design supports technical goals and long-term scalability
• Report project progress, risks, and key decisions to the leadership team

Requirements

• Bachelor\'s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering; MBA or PMP is a plus
• 8-15 years of experience in scaling industrial processes from lab-scale to commercial-scale, EPCM, or operations leadership, ideally within lithium, chemical, or recycling sectors
• Proven track record in taking technologies from pilot stage to full-scale operations, and EPCM or plant project management (concept to commissioning)
• Deep understanding of plant engineering design, commissioning, and manufacturing systems
• Strong operations management skills, including material handling, SOPs, logistics, maintenance, and EH&S
• Strong understanding of Singapore’s regulatory landscape (NEA, SCDF, MOM) and chemical plant safety standards
• Experience mentoring engineers and working cross-functionally in R&D-heavy environments
• Possess good analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication in English
• Familiarity with international (US/EU) environmental and industrial safety frameworks.
• Good to have knowledge in any of these areas; flow battery, redox flow processes, electrochemical processes, fuel cell

Interested candidates may apply directly at:

https://central.sginnovate.com/hub/marketplace/openings/650454b3-7d88-4b01-b4fe-57c221a7ab9f