The global energy transition is here, and it’s being built on a foundation of critical minerals. From electric vehicle batteries to wind turbines, the demand for materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements is skyrocketing. For mining companies, this isn’t just a trend; it's a new frontier that requires a new kind of leadership. 🔋🌍

At Wyman Bain, we specialise in helping mining companies navigate this transformation. We find and secure the executive talent needed to bridge the gap between traditional mining and the future of critical mineral processing.

Why Leadership Is Crucial for the Energy Transition

Moving into critical mineral processing is more than a technical upgrade, it’s a strategic shift. It requires a new generation of leaders who understand both the rugged realities of mining and the intricate complexities of downstream processing, supply chain logistics, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Key leadership challenges include:

• Integrating operations to ensure consistent, high-quality output for battery-grade materials.
• Navigating new regulations and meeting stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations.
• Forging strategic partnerships with technology manufacturers and automotive clients.
• Building robust supply chains that meet the exacting standards of global manufacturers.

The right executive team is your most valuable asset in successfully managing this change.

The Wyman Bain Advantage: More Than Just a Search

1. Research-Led, Transparent Executive Search 🕵️‍♂️

We don't rely on outdated candidate lists. Our approach is built on deep market mapping and direct outreach. This allows us to access both on-market and passive candidates the top-tier talent often overlooked by traditional search firms. Our process is fully transparent and auditable, so you're always in the loop.

2. Expert Sector Knowledge 💡

With extensive experience recruiting for the mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors, we bring unparalleled market intelligence. We provide crucial insights on:

• Executive compensation trends
• Talent migration and availability
• Benchmarking against your global competitors

3. End-to-End Support 🤝

From the initial brief to successful onboarding, we provide continuous support and clear communication. Our three-stage fee model ensures our interests are aligned with yours at every step: retainer, shortlist, and successful placement.

Roles We Specialise In

We help mining companies secure executives for key roles, including:

• Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Critical Minerals
• VP/Director of Processing Operations
• Head of ESG & Sustainability
• Director of Supply Chain Integration
• Chief Technology Officer (Battery Materials)
• Project Directors for new processing facilities

Our candidates possess a unique blend of operational mining experience and specialised knowledge in areas like battery material quality standards and supply chain partnerships with major automotive manufacturers.

How We Help You Succeed

Bridging the Skills Gap: We identify and secure leaders who can seamlessly connect mining operations with advanced processing, quality assurance, and global supply chains.

Accelerating Your Time-to-Hire: Our research-led process allows us to deliver high-quality shortlists in just 6–8 weeks, a critical advantage in a highly competitive market.

Providing Actionable Insights: We offer bespoke reports on executive readiness and compensation, empowering you to make informed strategic decisions.

Supporting Long-Term Success: Our commitment extends beyond placement. We provide post-placement follow-up to ensure your new executive is fully supported and delivers value from day one.

Case Study: Fuelling a Lithium Processing Launch

A UK-based mining company needed a leadership team for their new lithium refining facility. They required a COO to oversee both extraction and downstream processing, as well as a Head of Supply Chain Integration to build key relationships with battery manufacturers.

Using our research-led approach, we successfully identified and placed two industry leaders with proven experience. The result? A facility that launched on time and under budget, with essential supply agreements already in place.

Ready to Lead the Future?

If your organisation is preparing to move into critical mineral processing or needs to strengthen its leadership for the energy transition, Wyman Bain is here to help.

Contact us for a confidential discussion about your leadership needs and discover how our research-led executive search can give you a competitive edge.