Project Director - NewRange

Closing Date: March 31, 2023

Job Summary:

The Project Director will perform their duties as a member of the NewRange management team and is accountable to the Management Committee for the successful delivery of the project to the key success factors aligned to the project business case, including health and safety, environmental compliance, schedule, cost and quality. The role is based in northeastern Minnesota will report to the General Manager of NewRange.

The Project Director is responsible and accountable to the Management committee for the delivery of an updated feasibility study, detailed engineering, project execution plans, pre-construction works and the eventual execution of the project.  The Project Director will be charged with building and leading a multi-disciplinary Owner team, engineering and construction service provider and specialist consultants to deliver on the project scope.  The candidate collaborates with the General Manager and members of the asset management, and leadership teams in developing, reviewing and monitoring quality management plans, HSEC plans, estimates, budgets, schedules, procurement plans, contracting plans and contracts and provides specific expertise in project strategy, planning and site management. The candidate will demonstrate consistent commitment to safety and environmental protection as a core value. The Project Director will also work very closely with the General Manager and the social, environmental and regulatory teams to ensure alignment and project execution occurs within these commitments.

Overview:

Located in the historic iron range mining region of northeastern Minnesota, NewRange is a joint venture between Teck American Inc. (Teck) and PolyMet Mining Corp (PolyMet) that is advancing two major copper-nickel-platinum-palladium deposits, NorthMet and Mesaba. Project activities range from readying the feasibility stage NorthMet project for a production decision pending clearance of mine permits to advancing the nearby Mesaba project to pre-feasibility studies and permitting.  NewRange is committed to unlocking a new domestic supply chain of critical metals for the transition to a low-carbon economy and positioning Minnesota as a world leader in sustainable mineral resource development.

More information on the Project is available at newrangecoppernickel.com 

Responsibilities:

• Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on the common values on health, safety, environment, and communities shared by the asset owners (Teck and Polymet). 
• Responsible for the overall delivery of the project within scope, budget and schedule aligned to the business case and the NewRange values of safety and sustainability. 
• Understand and champion the business case of the project, and as necessary, assist the Management Committee in developing a Project Charter that underpins the rationale for the company to make the investment in the project. From this, develop and guide the Project vision. Set measurable objectives and goals for the Project team, including EPCM contractors, specialist contractors and consultants.
• Provide direction and management to achieve the project objectives as defined in the Project Charter.  
• Identify the material issues of the project’s business case (e.g., summarized in SWOT analysis) and devise a project execution plan that addresses risks and provides opportunities for improvements. 
• Ensure a highly effective change management process is implemented which provides timely identification of deviations to those plans to allow for mitigation of impacts.  
• Manage the project in full support of corporate objectives and policies while being aware of corporate constraints that may affect the project. 
• Manage the project in full compliance of regulatory requirements, i.e., specific permit conditions and statutory requirements; and where permits are not yet issued, represent the project’s interests in submissions made to regulators. 
• Set up, direct and control the project team as required to achieve the project objectives. Delegate responsibilities, nurture relationships and promote effective communications among direct reports, who typically consist of: 
  • Owner’s team members 
  • External service providers (contractors) 
  • External construction contractors 
• Engage and request support from Teck/Polymet/Glencore groups, in the way of personnel, processes and information. Coordination efforts are typically required for: 
  • Mine operations (policies, safety, scheduling, logistics and shared facilities / services) 
  • SERA (Social, Environmental, Regulatory Affairs) 
  • Project development and project governance
  • Business unit strategic planning 
  • Regulators 
• Implement standards and procedures for the design and construction of the project that facilitate the project’s success, drawing from Teck/Polymet/Glencore standards and procedures and other industry sources with the intent of promoting continuous improvement within the project. 
• Develop the project control budget, schedule and other methods of control to establish baseline, basis of measurement and reporting. Promote consistency of procedures and manage the cost and schedule of the work in accordance with the plans authorized by the Management Committee.  
• Establish effective communications with the Management Committee, define reporting requirements and implement. 
• Monitor progress of project while maintaining awareness of material risks and opportunities; make timely decisions to mitigate risk and to seize opportunities. 
• Report non-conformances, incidents, and participating in investigations as management may require. 
• Support the development of key Project team members through recruitment, mentoring and coaching.

The above accountabilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 20 years of experience in a leadership role in permitting, design, construction of large scale projects within the mining industry. Operating experience would be an asset.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy or relevant field. A Master’s degree would be an asset. 
• Registered or eligible to register as a professional engineer.   
• Deep understanding and significant experience in multiple phases of project execution, able to prioritize activities which have impact on critical path as well as efficiency and productivity of workforce.   
• Strong knowledge and experience in workflows of all engineering and non-engineering disciplines, able to recognize gaps and bottlenecks and recommend appropriate adjustments. 
• Experienced in facilitating resolutions between project participants and parties.   
• Working knowledge of contractual agreements and proven ability to manage work within contract terms.  Ability to resolve contractual issues and conflicts.   
• Skills necessary and demonstrated ability to manage the work of an Owner’s team, consultants and contractors. 
• Good knowledge and experience with organizational dynamics, some conflict resolution skills.
• Experienced in all aspects of project delivery including studies, detail design and procurement, construction and pre-commissioning/commissioning.   
• Previous experience in a leadership role in implementation and use of project control systems and procedures. Good working knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Able to clearly articulate priorities, success factors, risks and opportunities to the project team. Effectively manage teams or disciplines to deliver to project requirements.
• Ability to resolve or cause to be resolved complex problems. 

Leadership Competencies:

• Dynamic, committed, resilient leader with established proven ability to build, develop and motivate high performing project teams and to develop the right culture to achieve desired results. Collaborates and openly debates with the team to manage projects, solve problems, discuss challenging issues or learn more about critical issues as a group.  Empowers and collaborates with others to develop new ideas and share ownership and accountability for project outcomes.
• Acts with honesty and integrity and sets an example for others by demonstrating a common-sense approach, focuses on listening and learning in order to make the right decision.
• Demonstrated team player with a collaborative working style to foster open dialogue, create strong morale, celebrate successes with others.
• High degree of initiative, self-motivation, accountability, flexibility and independent judgment.
• Results oriented with excellent organizational, planning, time management and decision making skills.
• Understands the needs of the business, focuses on priorities, sets objectives and goals, measures performance and evaluates results.  
• Able to clearly articulate priorities, success factors, risks and opportunities to the project team.
• Able to effectively manage and motivate team to deliver to project requirements.  
• Seeks ways to continuously improve our activities by encouraging entrepreneurship, refining practices, eliminating barriers, taking action to improve processes and mitigating problems that impact business performance.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills and experience working with a broad range of people.
• Understands how to get things done through formal channels, utilizing key practices, policies and procedures to achieve objectives.

At NewRange, we value diversity. Our teams work collaboratively and respect each person’s unique perspective and contribution.

Qualified applicants interested in joining a dynamic team are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter electronically.  

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. 

NewRange respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.

Learn more about NewRange at newrangecoppernickel.com

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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