I'm seeking a global cross-functional leadership operating or board-level mandate roles where I can build governance, scale industrial operations, execute transformation, and create disciplined performance across complex multi-site environments.
SS
Looking for a job
Slavka Svarc
@slavkasvarc
I build governance, operating models, and performance discipline for complex global industrial operations.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I've led operating transformation across Phoenix Tailings, Excelerate Business Properties, GLG Group client mandates, ExxonMobil, and NextEra Energy. My work spans energy, mining, critical minerals, industrial operations, and advanced manufacturing across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and Africa.
At Phoenix Tailings, I operated as the de facto COO, building operational infrastructure, enterprise governance, IMS architecture, commercial readiness, and leadership systems across two sites. I also directed CAPEX validation, pilot-facility expansion, permitting, ISO readiness, and strategic evaluation of future industrial deployment sites.
During a decade at ExxonMobil, I progressed from technical oil-sands and geoscience work into global operations leadership. I delivered $12M in OPEX savings, managed a $26M capital budget close-out, eliminated a 10-year backlog across 14 manufacturing sites in six months, and helped improve recovery, efficiency, safety, and operational continuity.
I'm a board-certified governance leader who connects technical geoscience with executive business leadership. I bring hands-on experience in post-M&A integration, EOS, CAPEX execution, ESG and safety governance, greenfield due diligence, and building accountable operating models from zero.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
PT
VP Engineering Manufacturing COO
Phoenix Tailings
Oct 2025 - Mar 2026 (5 months)
De facto COO mandate — built operational infrastructure, enterprise governance, and commercial readiness from zero for a critical minerals’ innovator in pre-commercial phase across two sites simultaneously.
Appointed to architect enterprise-wide operating infrastructure for growing investment firm navigating post-M&A complexity and organizational scale-up.
• EOS Implementation & AI-Enabled Operations
• Post-M&A Integration
• Governance, ESG & Capital Allocation
Senior COO advisor and governance partner to global boards across O&G, mining, and industrial sectors spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream mandates across three continents.
• Enterprise Financial Transformation
• Board Governance & Advisory & Certifications Achieved
• Brand Ambassador & U.S. Delegation Business & Board Advisor
Ten-year progressive career spanning all three business streams — rare cross-BU transition from Upstream through Downstream to Midstream. Progressed from technical expert to global enterprise transformation leader across Americas, APAC, Africa, and Europe. Details upon request.
• Environmental Compliance: Power plant wastewater permits — zero EPA audit findings across all regulatory submissions.
• Operational Automation: Implemented wind turbine and transformer automation; introduced gearbox oil testing supporting preventive maintenance.
• QA/ QC Team Leadership: Led 8-person chemist team; implemented lean methodologies; established repeatable, scalable QA frameworks.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
JS
Joseph Business School
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration and Management, Entrepreneurship
2019 - 2021
Grade: 4.0
Activities and societies: Valedictorian graduate
Graduated as Valedictorian with a focus on Business Administration and Management, Entrepreneurship.
Comenius University
Master of Science, Geochemistry
1994 - 1999
Grade: 3.8
Activities and societies: n/a
Earned a Master of Science in Geochemistry, providing a strong foundation in geoscience (exploration geology, resource validation and quantification with commercial feasibility).
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Looking for a job
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
250k-1500k USD
Social media
Skills
Integrated Safety Management SystemsISO 9001ISO 14001EOS AutomationPost Merger IntegrationCapex PlanningP&L managementEBITDABoard GovernanceCorporate GovernanceEnterprise Risk ManagementESG ComplianceSafety ComplianceEnvironmental PermittingRegulatory StrategyCritical MineralsGreenfield ManufacturingIndustrial OperationsAdvanced ManufacturingLeanContinuous ImprovementAI OperationsStrategic PlanningStakeholder ManagementSuccession PlanningChange LeadershipCross Cultural CommunicationGeochemistryOil Sands ExtractionQuality AssuranceQuality ControlEnglishSlovakFrenchSDLChamber
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