Plant Director

Welcome to the greener chemical jungle!

Our client is creating the first revolutionary technology to generate components of polyester from waste CO2... Their the first company in the world to have demonstrated at lab scale a first-of-a-kind technology based on latest developments of catalytic chemistry that directly converts CO2 waste streams into sustainable polyester fibers.

We are looking for a Lead Chemical / Plant Director in our industrialization team, who effectively translates the outcomes of catalytic chemistry research from the R&D team into plant manufacturing specifications and requirements at all relevant phases

• Play a leading role in the scale-up of technology from the R&D lab to the kilo-lab, pilot and the plant scales including batch and continuous processes;
• Build & manage a team of chemists / chemical engineers and the laboratory itself, including maintenance of chemicals and equipment supply, troubleshooting instruments;
• Implement and follow safety procedures in the kilo-lab and support the chemical process safety studies (flammability, exothermicity…);
• Coordinate with the R&D team to ensure alignment on technical needs and project execution for scaling up;
• Use substantial knowledge on reactors design to overcome the challenges of scaling-up a chemical process;
• Perform the required studies for the kilo-lab and pilot plant designs and sizing, as well as evaluating PFDs / P&IDs;
• Carry out engineering-driven financial analysis and cost-benefit calculations;
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge, remaining updated on the advantages and disadvantages of a broad range of process apparatus (reactors, distillation, gas separation, mixers…);

If our client could dream, you present...

• MSc or PhD in a technical field: chemical engineering, chemistry or equivalent
• A least 5 years experience and knowledge in a (to be) managerial role in Chemical Lab environment;
• Ability to learn new topics with minimal guidance
• Highly motivated and a team player
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly changing upscaling environment;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Expertise in troubleshooting and process simulation are a plus
• Fluency in English + French and Dutch are a plus
• Safety analysis skills (HAZOP, HAZID…)
• Familiarity with electrolyzer units, heterogenous / homogenous catalytic systems
• Experience with liquid/gas and/or high-pressure processes.

Are you ready to take on the role of this Pilot Plant Director?

If you have a passion for driving progress chemical process, lead the scale-up technology, manage a team ... — and if you want to help build the future of sustainable solutions — we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Katrien Lefevere – Managing Consultant – at +32 473 512 891 or send your detailed CV to klefevere@embark.be.