Industrial Facility Plant Manager (Ohio, Aberdeen)

PHNX Materials•Aberdeen, OH

27d•Onsite

About The Position

About PHNX Materials: PHNX Materials refines coal ash waste into a sulfate-based fertilizer, and a cement substitute (SCM). Our cost-effective, scalable technology delivers a triple win: providing a low cost fertilizer, helping power producers manage coal ash liabilities, and providing concrete companies a cheaper, greener alternative to cement. PHNX is on a mission to unlock this abundant domestic natural resource. Role Summary: PHNX Materials is developing a demonstration facility in Ohio as a critical step toward commercial scale. We are seeking an on-site Site and Operations Manager to lead both the setup of the facility and its transition into early operations. This role is highly execution-driven and field-based. You will own on-site coordination with EPCs, contractors, and vendors during construction, then shift into managing day-to-day operations once the facility is live. The goal is to stand up a safe, functional facility and operate it reliably for demonstrations, pilots, and customer engagement. The Opportunity: You will be the on-site owner of the Ohio demonstration facility from construction through steady-state operation. Working closely with PHNX leadership, engineering, and operations teams, you will ensure the facility is built correctly, commissioned smoothly, and run effectively. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable living on the site, managing contractors one day and troubleshooting operations the next.

Requirements

Prior experience managing coal ash industrial or pilot-scale facility build-out and on-site execution
Experience transitioning facilities from construction into operations
Strong background coordinating EPCs, contractors, and equipment vendors
Hands-on experience with industrial or pilot plant operations
Ability to make real-time decisions across construction and operational contexts
Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally
Willingness to be on site full-time in Ohio

Nice To Haves

Background in chemical, mineral processing, or heavy industrial operations
Experience with commissioning and early-stage operations
OSHA safety training or equivalent

Responsibilities

Own on-site execution of the demonstration facility setup from early construction through readiness for commissioning
Coordinate daily activities across EPCs, contractors, and vendors
Track construction progress, schedules, and deliverables against plan
Resolve field issues in real time and escalate when needed
Serve as PHNX’s on-site representative with EPCs, civil contractors, equipment vendors, and inspectors
Coordinate installation of process equipment, utilities, foundations, and supporting infrastructure
Manage equipment deliveries, site logistics, and contractor sequencing
Review contractor work for quality, completeness, and alignment with design intent
Own day-to-day operations of the demonstration facility once commissioned
Manage routine operation of process equipment, utilities, and supporting systems
Coordinate with engineering and technical teams to execute demonstrations and pilot runs
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues as they arise
Track operational performance, uptime, and readiness
Own on-site safety across both construction and operations phases
Enforce PPE use, safe work practices, and permit requirements
Coordinate inspections, permits, and regulatory compliance
Maintain an organized, safe, and professional site
Support commissioning, startup, and punch-list closeout
Ensure documentation, SOPs, and as-builts are completed and handed off
Capture operational learnings to inform future facilities and scale-up