Permitting Manager – Steelmaking Facility Project

Company

Is metallurgy a dusty, old-fashioned environment? Not at all! The steel industry is reinventing itself! Steel is everywhere. Join the adventure and discover modern practices and technological facilities that are well worth the diversions. The NLMK Group is one of the most important players in the steel industry and one of the most efficient in the world. We are present in 7 countries and have 20 production sites. And we're not stopping there! We know why we exist. We believe in our strategy. We are driven by strong values. The only thing missing is you. Make a big impact and shape the future of a carbon-neutral steel industry with us!

We are conducting a feasibility study on establishing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking in Europe as a pathway to decarbonization of the steel supply chain to supply some of the lowest CO2 flat steel products in Europe. While it is still in the feasibility study stage, this project is a potential game-changer for our shift toward sustainability and decarbonization.

We are actively looking for experienced project and steelmaking engineers to support this study.

If you are interested in joining a project that could create a new leader in low-carbon steelmaking let us know.

Function

Mission

The Permitting Manager will be responsible for leading and managing all permitting activities to obtain permits for the construction and operation of a new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking facility in Europe. The role involves obtaining all necessary operating permits and environmental approvals, managing regulatory compliance, and coordinating with internal project teams and external stakeholders throughout the permitting process.

With extensive experience in permitting within the steelmaking industry (preferably in Wallonia, Belgium), the Permitting Manager will ensure that all aspects of the project, both within process scope (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside battery limits), comply with local, regional, and national regulations. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both French and English, have a proven track record in obtaining environmental and operating permits, and have deep knowledge of the regulatory environment for industrial projects in Belgium.

Key Responsibilities

1. Permitting Strategy & Planning:

• Develop Permitting Strategy: Lead the development of the permitting strategy for the project, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, project timelines, and environmental and operational goals. The strategy should cover all permits required for both the process scope and balance of plant, including environmental, construction, operation, and health and safety permits.
• Regulatory Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the relevant local, regional (Wallonia), and federal regulations that apply to the steelmaking facility, including environmental permits, waste management, air and water emissions, noise, land use, and health and safety regulations.
• Permitting Schedule: Develop and maintain a detailed permitting schedule, aligning permitting milestones with the overall project timeline. Ensure that permitting activities are coordinated and completed on time to avoid delays in construction or operation.
• Risk Management: Identify potential permitting risks or challenges and develop proactive mitigation strategies to ensure compliance and minimize delays. Ensure that all required permits are secured in a timely manner.

2. Interface Management:

• Coordinate with Project Team: Work closely with the engineering, environmental, legal, and construction teams to ensure that the permitting process is well-integrated into the overall project execution. Provide guidance on permit requirements throughout the design, engineering, and construction phases.
• Engage with Stakeholders: Act as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders involved in the permitting process, including local, regional, and national regulatory authorities, as well as community representatives, environmental groups, and other external parties.
• Government & Regulatory Liaison: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies (e.g., Walloon Region, Federal Government), ensuring a smooth permitting process. Lead meetings with regulators and ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.
• Public Relations & Communication: Collaborate with the project’s communication and public relations teams to manage public consultations, information sessions, and community engagement efforts. Ensure transparent communication with the public, addressing concerns related to environmental and operational impacts of the facility.

3. Permitting Documentation & Submission:

• Prepare & Submit Applications: Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of all necessary permitting applications, including environmental impact assessments (EIAs), environmental permits, construction permits, operating permits, and any other required documentation.
• Coordinate Environmental Assessments: Work with environmental consultants and engineering teams to prepare the necessary environmental assessments, including air, water, noise, and waste management studies, to support the permitting applications.
• Permit Variations & Renewals: Manage the process for obtaining any necessary variations to existing permits, as well as handling renewals and amendments to permits as required throughout the lifecycle of the project.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Stewardship:

• Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that all activities associated with the project, from design to construction and operation, are carried out in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Ensure that permits obtained are followed through during the life cycle of the project, with regular compliance checks and reporting.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Implement systems to monitor ongoing regulatory compliance and ensure that all required permits and licenses are active and valid throughout the project phases. Coordinate environmental monitoring programs as needed to meet regulatory reporting requirements.
• Environmental Mitigation Plans: Ensure that any necessary environmental mitigation or compensation measures identified during the permitting process are integrated into the project design and construction plans.

5. Coordination with Legal & Compliance Teams:

• Legal Compliance: Work closely with legal teams to ensure that permitting processes comply with all applicable laws and that the facility’s operation is legally sound. Assist with any legal challenges related to permitting or regulatory compliance.
• Permitting Audit & Review: Assist in internal and external audits of permitting and compliance processes, ensuring that all documentation and permits are properly maintained and up to date.

6. Stakeholder & Community Engagement:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engage with local communities, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to address concerns and manage expectations regarding the project’s environmental and operational impacts. Ensure that all community concerns are addressed through consultations and transparent communication.
• Public Consultation: Manage public consultation processes, ensuring that the project complies with all public participation requirements. Address concerns regarding environmental and social impacts and ensure that the project’s environmental stewardship efforts are well-communicated.

7. Permitting Closeout & Transition to Operations:

• Permit Transfer & Handover: Ensure that all permits are successfully transferred and fully compliant before transitioning to the operational phase of the project. Work with the operations team to ensure all conditions of permits are met during commissioning and startup.
• Post-Permitting Compliance: Continue to monitor compliance with the terms of the permits during the operation of the steelmaking facility. Ensure that any necessary updates or modifications to permits are initiated as the facility operates and grows.

Profile

Education

• A degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Law, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications in environmental management or law would be advantageous.
• Additional certifications or training in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001) would be beneficial.

Experience

• Permitting in Steelmaking/Heavy Industry: At least 8-10 years of experience in managing permitting activities for large-scale industrial projects, with a strong preference for experience in the steelmaking industry, heavy manufacturing, or similar sectors.
• Permitting in Belgium (Wallonia): In-depth knowledge of the regulatory and permitting landscape in Wallonia and Belgium, including environmental, health, safety, and construction regulations. Experience working with local, regional, and federal permitting authorities.
• Integrated Permitting Process: Proven track record of managing the integrated permitting process for large industrial projects, including environmental impact assessments (EIA), environmental permits, construction permits, and operating permits.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of environmental regulations, including air quality, water management, waste management, noise, and other key environmental issues related to steelmaking or heavy industries.
• Community Engagement: Experience in community outreach, public consultation, and managing external stakeholder relationships, including local authorities, environmental NGOs, and the general public.

Skills

• Bilingual Proficiency (French & English): Fluency in both French and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages, to effectively liaise with stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and project teams.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep knowledge of environmental laws, permitting processes, and compliance requirements in Belgium, particularly within the steelmaking or heavy industrial sectors.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage complex permitting processes, timelines, and stakeholder interactions.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex permitting requirements simultaneously.
• Negotiation & Communication Skills: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, from regulatory authorities to local communities.

Desired Attributes

• Proactive & Solution-Oriented: Ability to anticipate permitting challenges and proactively address potential issues before they arise.
• Diplomatic & Interpersonal: A diplomatic and flexible approach to managing stakeholder concerns and finding solutions that align with both regulatory requirements and project objectives.
• Problem Solver: Ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and resolve issues that may arise during the permitting process.
• Organized & Results-Driven: Highly organized and results-oriented, able to manage permitting tasks efficiently and meet critical deadlines.

Offer

Working Conditions

• Location: Based in La Louvière, Wallonia, Belgium, with occasional travel to other project locations, government offices, and meetings with stakeholders or regulatory bodies.
• Hours: Full-time, with flexibility required to meet project deadlines and regulatory submission schedules. Occasional extended hours may be necessary.
• Travel: Some travel may be required for stakeholder meetings, public consultations, and regulatory coordination.

Why choosing NLMK?

This Permitting Manager role is crucial for ensuring the successful permitting and regulatory compliance of the EAF steelmaking facility in Europe. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to manage the permitting process for complex industrial projects in Belgium, particularly in the steelmaking industry. This position requires strong regulatory knowledge, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate complex permitting processes while keeping the project on track.

Do you want to help shape the future of carbon-free green steel? Do you want to be part of a team where everyone has a say? Do you want to work in a fast-moving environment with plenty of opportunities for career development? You can make a difference and have your voice heard at NLMK Europe!

This is a unique opportunity to start, develop and grow in one of the world's most successful steel companies. NLMK's success is based on the strength of a team with family values and a strong international presence. A team that improves and innovates every day to be better than yesterday. Excellence, customer satisfaction and safety are our key drivers.

Are you interested? Send us your application!
All agencies that have experience with this kind of industrial projects can contact us (a.paternostre@eu.nlmk.com)