Manager - Bauxite Residue R&D Engineering

JOB PURPOSE: The function of the Manager, Bauxite Residue R&D Engineering is to provide definition, direction, and leadership for Technology Development projects to FEL 1/2 readiness, for the productive utilization of Bauxite residue from EGA's Al Taweelah Alumina Refinery (ATA). These activities will be in compliance with local, federal, and international standards and consistent with EGA's Bauxite Residue (BxR) Use Roadmap.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Policies, Processes & Procedures

• Develops, oversees, and supports the implementation of functional policies, systems, processes, procedures, and controls covering the preparation, treatment, and application of BxR for productive use(s) in addition to existing EGA policies and standards.

• Ensures all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service consistently.

Budget

• Prepares and recommends budget items for project engineering development within the BxR Research & Development Group by analyzing and organizing all relevant data related to specific elements as directed and contributing to business case development.

• Monitors the financial performance of the project engineering development function in the BxR Research & Development Group against budgets to identify unsatisfactory performance areas and capitalize on performance improvement opportunities promptly.

Day-to-day Operations

• Supervises the day-to-day project engineering operations of the Bauxite Residue Research & Development Group to ensure adherence to established policies, processes, and procedures.

• Liaises with technology providers, equipment suppliers, research organizations, and regulatory bodies to ensure viable and compliant opportunities are identified for the use of BxR in agronomic applications.

• Collaborates with Alumina Refinery operations management to align developed programs for BxR's agronomic use with technical and operational performance standards.

• Stays updated with changes to the grade and mineralogical qualities of bauxite ore feed through interaction with the Strategic Raw Materials department.

Research & Development Key Accountabilities

• Supports the Director, Bauxite Residue R&D in conducting research and development of BxR solutions for achieving a zero landfill outcome for ATA's BxR production.

• Directs and project-manages FEL1, 2 (and where appropriate, FEL3) phases of capital projects, managing schedules, costs, and scopes to meet business objectives.

• Manages project risk, ensuring stakeholder alignment and implementing mitigation plans.

• Contributes to the overall strategy for the productive application of ATA BxR within the UAE.

• Engages with local research centers and government authorities to enhance knowledge and build stakeholder acceptance for BxR products.

• Defines and initiates applied research programs to develop viable applications for ATA BxR and manages these to ensure cost-effective outcomes.

• Identifies target applications or markets for products derived from ATA BxR and ensures full environmental impact assessments are completed.

• Assists with financial impact assessments of identified solutions at various development stages.

Knowledge Management

• Develops a central repository and dissemination point for R&D knowledge, ensuring strategies for its effective gathering and availability.

Communication and Networking

• Ensures effective coordination and communication with internal and external entities to deliver required services effectively.

• Represents EGA in technological forums, research establishments, and government bodies, projecting EGA’s interests positively as directed.

People Management

• Supervises consultant scopes (budget, personnel, and outputs).

• Oversees activities and work of subordinates during field trials and projects to ensure efficiency and adherence to individual targets.

Continuous Improvement

• Manages revisions to procedures to optimize productivity.

• Manages change through improvements of R&D initiatives, systems, processes, and practices considering international best practices and environmental changes.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Ensures compliance with safety, quality, and environmental management policies, guaranteeing legislative compliance and responsible environmental practices.

Related Assignments

• Performs other related duties or assignments as directed.

AUTHORITY/DECISION MAKING:

• Technical, HR, and HSEC decisions subject to approval by Director, Bauxite Residue R&D.

• Participates in defining and managing the Bauxite Residue R&D cost center and CAPEX budgets.

• Financial authority as per the EGA Delegation of Authority matrix

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.Eng / MSc / PhD in Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a related discipline from a recognized academic institution/university.

• Post-graduate business/finance qualifications are advantageous.

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in major capital studies and projects in mineral processing, chemical engineering, or civil works.

• 10+ years’ experience in the alumina industry, including production, technical management, and/or project management roles with a track record of project delivery.

• Significant experience managing research activities/groups in alumina refining R&D with industry and university collaboration.

Skills:

• Proactive, independent problem-solving.

• Ability to deliver sophisticated products within a complex manufacturing environment.

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills in a multi-disciplinary work environment.

• Experienced in coaching and mentoring.

• Aptitude for effective teamwork and managing teams for high performance.