Director Metallurgical Development FMA

Freeport McMoRan Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan with match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Discounted insurance plans

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a Director of Metallurgical Development for FMA Americas.

This hybrid role focuses on improving metallurgical performance, ore characterization, and overseeing SEC reporting of ore reserves, while shaping process flowsheets for plant expansions and major equipment sizing. You will lead internal teams and external partners, drive technology evaluation, maintain supplier relationships, and present updates to executive management; extensive travel

Qualifications

• BSc or BE with 10+ years in mineral processing or engineering.
• At least 5 years of mine-site experience.
• Specialized expertise in 3 metallurgy-related areas and broad knowledge in 4 more (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, smelting, hydrometallurgy, etc.).
• Proficiency in speaking, listening, and writing English.
• Ability to travel 60–90 days per year.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning: identify opportunities, convert to projects and secure approvals.
• Technology and innovation: assess fit and value of technologies.
• Project execution: manage resources, meet schedule and cost targets, communicate status.
• Relationship building: engage internal teams, vendors, labs, and networks; mentor staff.
• Prepare updates for executive management and prepare technical materials for patents/conferences; organize site visits.

Skills

Metallurgy

Project Management

Leadership

Strategic Planning

English Communication

Education

BSc or BE in mineral processing/engineering

Tools

Process modeling

Simulation

Statistical analysis

Job description

Title: Director Metallurgical Development FMA

Where You Will Work

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements.

Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities.

What You Will Do

This role is focused on driving value by improving the metallurgical performance of current and future processing plants, particularly for FMAmericas, including overseeing ore characterization, acting as the Qualified Person (QP) for SEC reporting of ore reserves, developing process flowsheets for plant expansions including major equipment sizing, engaging with internal teams and external engineering partners to ensure alignment with design and automation objectives, evaluating new technologies, maintaining supplier relationships, and supporting site personnel in resolving critical challenges.

• Strategic Planning including opportunity identification and framing, converting opportunities into projects for execution, gaining approval for new projects from stakeholders, and identifying resources to assist with project execution.
• Technology and Innovation including embracing and leaning into technology and innovation to add value and assessing strategic fit of various technologies.
• Project Execution including management of internal and external resources, accountability for achieving project schedule and cost outcomes, and regularly communicating project status and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Relationship Building including engagement with internal technical services, wider organization personnel, vendors, consultants, metallurgical labs, maintaining and expanding industry networks, and coaching and mentoring team members while managing performance.
• Other responsibilities include preparing and presenting updates to executive management and partners, preparing technical materials for patents and conferences, and organizing site and other visits.

What You Bring To Freeport

• BSc or BE with ten (10) years’ experience in the mineral processing or engineering related fields.
• At least 5 year of experience at a mine site.
• Specialized technical expertise in three (3) metallurgy-related areas and good general knowledge in another four (4) metallurgy-related areas including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, smelting, hydrometallurgy, liquid-solid separation, tailings, materials handling, process modeling and simulation, statistical analysis, process automation control, sampling and assaying, and metallurgical accounting.
• Proficiency in speaking, listening, and writing English.
• Ability to travel 60-90 days per year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Mill Operations or Mill Technical Services manager.
• Working knowledge of the Spanish language.

What We Offer You

Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance. Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration. Long-term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Company's plan and award agreements. More details will be shared during the hiring process.

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for auto, home and pet
• Internal progression opportunities
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

International travel required (at least 2 times per year for 2 weeks at a time).

Up to 25% Domestic travel required.

Equal Opportunity Employer