COO/Projects Head - Plant & Beneficiation - Mining/Steel

COO and Head of Projects

Plant and Beneficiation Project

Base: Odisha

Experience: 20 - 25 years in steel, cement and industrial project execution

Role purpose:

Lead plant operations and take end-to-end responsibility for its proposed expansion and the 4 million tonnes per annum beneficiation project. The role combines operating performance, cost control and team leadership with delivery of projects safely, within approved budgets and timelines, followed by commissioning and stabilisation.

Operating and project scope:

• Current Plant: Current capacity of 0.1 million tonnes per annum; proposed expansion of 0.4 million tonnes per annum.
• New Project: Lead development, execution, commissioning and ramp-up of the 4 million tonnes per annum beneficiation project.

Key responsibilities:

Plant operations:

• Own production planning and delivery, product quality, plant availability, maintenance, utilities and dispatch coordination. Set operating targets and review performance with functional heads.
• Improve capacity utilisation, equipment reliability, process efficiency and energy consumption; control conversion costs, inventory and working capital in coordination with finance and procurement.
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance, shutdown planning and resolution of recurring operating bottlenecks. Maintain a strong safety culture and statutory compliance.

Plant expansion and project delivery:

• Own the project lifecycle from feasibility and engineering through procurement, construction, commissioning, performance testing and handover to operations.
• Establish project scope, technical specifications, capex budgets, execution schedules and milestone plans. Evaluate technology and equipment options with consultants and engineering teams.
• Lead consultant, EPC contractor and equipment vendor selection; oversee technical and commercial evaluations, contract negotiation and performance management within delegated authority.

Project execution and commissioning:

• Coordinate civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and utility work packages. Manage interfaces between contractors and ensure construction quality and site readiness.
• For project, oversee process design and equipment selection against ore characteristics and product requirements, including throughput, recovery, product quality, water balance and tailings management.
• Track the critical path, cash flow, procurement and long-lead equipment. Control scope changes, contractor claims and project risks; escalate deviations promptly with recovery plans.
• Coordinate land and site readiness, power, water, access and logistics with internal teams and relevant agencies. Work with corporate affairs and compliance teams to secure approvals required for construction and operation.
• Prepare commissioning and ramp-up plans, recruit and train operating teams, establish SOPs and maintenance systems, and close performance guarantees and punch-list items.

Leadership and governance:

• Build and lead accountable plant and project teams across engineering, operations, maintenance and support functions; develop succession and capability plans.
• Implement clear review routines, management dashboards, cost controls and reporting for operating results, project progress, safety and key decisions.
• Maintain constructive relationships with government agencies, local administration, communities, contractors and other stakeholders, in coordination with the relevant internal teams.

Candidate profile:

• Engineering graduate in Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, Chemical, Civil or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification in management or project management is desirable.
• 20 - 25 years of relevant experience across steel, cement and industrial project execution, with substantial leadership responsibility for plant operations and large capital projects.
• Demonstrated delivery of greenfield or brownfield projects from engineering through commissioning and stabilisation, with accountability for schedule, budget, quality and safety.
• Direct experience in iron ore beneficiation or mineral processing is strongly preferred, alongside sound knowledge of plant maintenance, utilities and process performance.
• Strong commercial judgement, contract management, capex control and problem-solving skills; ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work closely with promoters and senior management.
• Willingness to be based in Odisha throughout execution and commissioning.

Key performance indicators:

Plant production and capacity utilisation; conversion cost and energy efficiency; equipment availability and product quality; project milestone and budget adherence; successful commissioning and ramp-up; beneficiation throughput, recovery and product specifications; safety performance and statutory compliance; team readiness and capability.