Reporting to the Head of Exploration and Resources, the role of the SQM Canada Exploration Manager (Canada EM) is to lead the exploration and development of lithium projects for SQM Canada, a subsidiary of SQM Lithium International (SQMi). The role includes, but is not limited to, providing high-level technical advice, mentoring staff, overseeing project budgets and deliverables, and ensuring timely and high-quality control for all ongoing exploration activities.

This position requires the Canada EM to work with SQMi's global geology team in the search for new lithium prospects and projects around the world; including brine, pegmatite or sediment-hosted deposits. The Canada EM will be required to develop a local team of geologists and/or contractors based on operational needs and will work with SQMi's Business Development team and Health, Safety and Environment departments. The position will be primarily based in our Toronto office but will be expected to work in the field for 3-6 months and travel overseas depending on operational requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Adhering to and promoting SQM corporate values: Excellence, Safety, Integrity, and Sustainability.
• Taking personal responsibility for ensuring that assigned tasks and projects are conducted and delivered in a safe manner, using, and maintaining SQM tools such as standard work procedures, hazard analyses, routine inspections, and behavioural observations.
• Developing, updating, promoting, and adhering to SQM internal methodologies, policies, procedures, and standards by consistently maintaining a high quality of work across all allocated functions.
• Provide input/informed commentary, improvement opportunities, and areas of risk to management.
• Development of a high-quality lithium exploration project portfolio in Canada, based on the collection, integration and interpretation of large datasets applied to lithium exploration.
• Generate exploration targets using geologic mapping, geochemical and geophysical data. Provide hands-on assistance and supervision of exploration activities in the field.
• Develop and maintain multi-year exploration strategies for SQMi's Canada portfolio to identify, prioritize and investigate potential target areas.
• Managing and preparing budgets and forecasts. Negotiating contracts for exploration and resource definition activities. Pro-active management of costs to ensure that budgets are adhered to for the Exploration Group.
• Contribution to a working environment which is conducive to creative ideas and open discussion; Identify and lead technical research efforts that will advance exploration models to drive new discoveries.
• Establishing and maintaining effective lines of communication within the organization; whilst working alongside international geology teams across SQMi.
• Ensure data collection, sampling and QA/QC protocols are completed in accordance with industry best practice.
• Focused attention to the company strategy and to value creation opportunities. Work within business Development and M&A Team to identify and evaluate new lithium projects
• Effectively communicate results and recommendations to management
• Work in the Toronto office and attend conferences, business meetings and field visits to assess potential acquisitions/partnership opportunities.

THE SKILLS YOU’LL NEED

• Hold a Tertiary qualification in Geology (or similar).
• 15+ years of relevant experience in early stage exploration. Advanced knowledge of lithium mineral deposits and models, exploration methods used to evaluate and discover lithium deposits.
• Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) designation or eligibility for registration in multiple Provinces of Canada.
• The ability to develop leadership and sound personnel management skills. A demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Posses full working rights in all Canada´s Provinces.

WE OFFER:

• Permanent hiring 💪🏻
• Working day: Monday to Friday📌
• Place of work: Toronto, Canada.