5.5. VP of Exploration
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Aug 13, 2025
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.
Our Values:
● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
● Lead with Compassion
● Be Resourceful
● Listen
● Hustle
Who We Are Looking For:
Phoenix Tailings is seeking a dynamic VP of Exploration to lead the identification and acquisition of high-value rare earth tailings resources worldwide. In this role, you will focus on sourcing, evaluating, and securing tailings sites rich in rare earth elements and other critical metals essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation technology. This is a rare opportunity to directly shape the future supply of rare earths and build the foundation for a resource-secure, sustainable global economy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a targeted exploration strategy to identify tailings sources with high concentrations of rare earth elements and other critical metals.
- Lead on-the-ground investigations and testing programs to confirm resource composition, grade, and potential recovery methods.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of rare earth tailings projects that align with Phoenix Tailings’ growth and sustainability goals.
- Negotiate and secure favorable agreements with site owners, government agencies, and industry partners to gain long-term access to strategic resources.
- Establish and track exploration KPIs & OKRs to measure progress, quality, and economic potential of sourced sites.
- Navigate regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and community engagement to ensure responsible and compliant project development.
- Collaborate with internal technical teams to integrate exploration findings into processing and production planning.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in mineral exploration, with a strong track record in rare earths, critical metals, or similar commodities.
- Proven success in sourcing and securing large-scale resource projects, preferably involving tailings or secondary sources.
- Bachelor’s degree in geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Strong legal and commercial acumen; JD or experience in contract negotiation and permitting is a plus.
- Startup or growth-stage leadership experience in mining, industrial, or advanced materials sectors.
- Exceptional ability to develop strategic relationships with governments, industry leaders, and community stakeholders.
- Highly detail-oriented with excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Deep commitment to advancing sustainable, clean metals production for a better future.
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
- Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
- Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
- Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
- Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
- Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
