R&D Manager

• Lead R&D for a globally scalable processing technology
• Direct influence on future process development and IP strategy
• Work alongside a highly technical and commercially ambitious team

Renewable Metals is redefining how the world recovers critical minerals.

We’ve developed a world-first alkali recycling process capable of recovering over 95% of metals from battery waste-cleaner, more efficient, and built for scale. Backed by leading climate-tech investors and government funding, we are now commissioning our large-scale demonstration plant in Perth, with full-scale operations targeted for 2026.

The Opportunity

Renewable Metals’ process technology is the core of its competitive advantage – and this role leads the program responsible for extending and strengthening it.

As R&D Manager, you will own the company’s R&D roadmap across:

• Feedstock expansion
• Process optimisation
• Product development
• Downstream processing opportunities
• Future technology applications

You will lead a high-calibre technical team while translating metallurgical testwork into outcomes that directly influence commercial design, IP strategy, investor confidence, and future deployment pathways.

This is a rare opportunity to lead applied hydrometallurgical R&D in a business moving from demonstration into commercialisation.

What You’ll Own

• Lead the R&D strategy and technical program
• Manage metallurgical campaigns and pilot development activities
• Oversee technical reporting, data quality, and process direction
• Contribute to patent development and IP strategy
• Support investor diligence, grant reporting, and commercial scale-up

About You

• You are a technically credible R&D leader who understands how innovation creates commercial value.
• Tertiary qualification in applied chemistry, metallurgy, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in metallurgical R&D, process development, or applied hydrometallurgy, including demonstrated ownership of a multi-campaign R&D program.
• Direct experience in hydrometallurgy or battery metals processing – leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, crystallisation or related unit operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading small technical teams, including performance management and development.
• Experience with the patent process – invention disclosure, working with patent attorneys on drafting and prosecution, understanding freedom-to-operate.
• Named inventor experience is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Experience presenting technical content to non-technical audiences – investors, grant bodies, boards, senior executives.
• Experience operating in a regulated or safety-sensitive environment – HAZOP familiarity, safety-in-design, or similar.

Ready to take the next step?
Apply now or reach out on 0458 604 939 or bernard@zenithsearch.com for a confidential discussion.

Bernard Hoogenboezem
Associate Director – Mining & Industrial

All applications will be treated in strict confidence