Head of Project & Smelting SBU Operations

COGNITY LIFE SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

COGNITY LIFE SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED seeks an experienced senior operations leader to integrate and stabilize mining and metallurgical operations after acquisition. You will drive large-scale projects across mining, smelting, refining and utilities, delivering on time and within budget to enable sustainable growth.

You will oversee 1,000–1,500 employees, ensure plant safety, cost control and asset optimization, and engage with government authorities to support high-performance operations and

Qualifications

• 15–20+ years of experience leading mining and metallurgical operations.
• Experience managing 1,000–1,500 employees in industrial settings.
• Proven ability to engage with senior government authorities and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership in integrating post-acquisition operations and driving cost discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead post-acquisition integration of mining, smelting, refining and utilities.
• Drive large-scale project execution on time and within budget.
• Establish growth and stabilization across major processing facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure governance, safety, reliability and continuous improvement.
• Engage CXO-level and government stakeholders to secure support and compliance.

Skills

Operational leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Large-team leadership

Governance & compliance

International vendor management

Safety & cost control

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

With post-acquisition, the Target business requires strong operational leadership to integrate, expand and stabilize mining and metallurgical operations. This role is critical to improve operational performance by executing a large-size integrated Nickel smelting Projects effectively in terms of time and costs, and establishing sustainable growth across mining, smelting, refining, and utilities in the form of infrastructure such as Ports and Power Plants.

SUCCESS CRITERIA & CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

• Smooth post-acquisition integration with clear governance and accountability
• Successful project execution - on time, on budget, to technical standards
• Greenfield project execution + stabilization - experience scaling operations from ground up
• Improved operational performance - higher production, reduced costs, optimized asset utilization
• Safe, stable, reliable operations with strong compliance and process control
• Strong leadership team with clear KPIs and continuous improvement culture
• CEO-level mindset with cost-from-scratch discipline and commercial acumen as well as engage with CXO teams. Build high-performance culture and integrate business units.
• Communicator - proven ability to engage with senior government authorities including political leadership and executive branch

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 15-20+ years' experience leading mining and metallurgical operations combined with strong project implementation experience (India, Asia, Australia, Africa)
• Proven leadership of large-scale operations managing approximately 1,000-1,500 employees in industrial/metallurgical settings
• Deep understanding of metallurgical operations - plant safety, cost control, and operational efficiency
• International vendor/contractor management expertise - evaluation, negotiation, and execution at scale
• Strong project implementation experience with demonstrated ability to execute complex operations from conception to stabilization
• Strong Communication Skills - ability to engage with senior government stakeholders including Political leadership and executive branch.