Pilot Plant Manager

RIFT is developing Iron Fuel Technology for industrial heat and is moving from technology development towards industrial application. Our two pilot plants sit at the heart of this transition. They are where engineering decisions meet daily operations, and where the technology is proven not in theory, but in continuous, real-world use. What happens in these plants determines how Iron Fuel Technology can be operated, maintained and scaled in an industrial context.

As Pilot Plant Manager, you are responsible for the day-to-day operation of both pilot plants. You ensure safe, stable and predictable operations, while enabling testing, iteration and learning. You work closely with R&D and engineering to translate experimental objectives into operational practice. This is an operational role for a medior to senior professional who is comfortable taking responsibility in an environment where procedures, systems and ways of working are still being developed.

What you do as a Pilot Plant Manager

• You are responsible for the safe, stable and reliable day-to-day operation of two pilot plants, aligned with company OKRs and the R&D test programme.

• You plan and execute operational activities and test campaigns in close collaboration with R&D, process engineers and engineering.

• You lead and develop the pilot plant teams at both locations and establish clear roles, responsibilities and ways of working.

• You translate experimental objectives into practical operating procedures, resource planning and plant improvements, ensuring optimal use of people, materials and equipment.

• You own operational documentation and HSE compliance, ensure lessons learned are captured, and support the transition from pilot operations towards full-scale systems.

What you bring

• Proven responsibility for safe plant operation and working with HSE procedures in practice, not only on paper.

• Several years of experience in an operational or supervisory role in an industrial, pilot or production environment.

• A technical background at HBO or university level, for example in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.

• The ability to organise people, equipment and materials to enable reliable operations and effective test execution.

• Experience working in environments where experimentation, changing priorities and operational discipline coexist.

• You are comfortable taking ownership in an environment where procedures, systems and roles are still evolving.

What you can expect from us

• A key operational role in a critical phase of RIFT’s development, where pilot operations directly influence future industrial design.

• Two active pilot plants where teams work together and solve problems hands-on.

• Short decision lines, and an organisation where ownership is expected and input from operations is taken seriously.

• An organisation that is growing and professionalising, without pretending everything is already fixed.

• The opportunity to shape how pilot plant operations are organised, developed and prepared for scale-up.

• A working culture that values safety, technical depth and honest discussion over hierarchy or politics.

If you are an operational professional who wants responsibility for real pilot plant operations, and you want your day-to-day decisions to shape how Iron Fuel Technology will be operated at industrial scale, this role is for you. We’re looking forward to your application!

We recruit directly for this role. Standard proposals from agencies will not be considered. If you truly have a strong, relevant match, surprise us. Otherwise, we prefer to spend our time on the technology 🙂