Planning & Modification Manager, HalZero
Porsgrunn, Telemark, NO, 3936
Hydro is a global aluminium company striving to be a leader in working towards a sustainable future. In December 2021, we announced our plans to develop and industrialize HalZero, a new CO₂ emission-free process for producing primary aluminium.
The development of HalZero is one of three pillars in Hydro’s initiative to deliver aluminium with net-zero CO₂ emissions. HalZero is a new and innovative way to produce aluminium, where no CO₂ is emitted during the production process. In December 2025, we completed construction of the HalZero Test Facility in Porsgrunn. Industrializing the HalZero process requires extensive development, including laboratory work, design and operation of test facilities and pilots, and engineering and construction of demo and full commercial plants.
The work towards CO₂ emission-free aluminium is led by the Technology, Operational Support and Projects (TOP) unit in Hydro Aluminium Metal. TOP consists of 300 skilled employees in Norway and Germany, whose main task is to support commercial and operational units in improving profitability and sustainability both in the short and long term.
HalZero is strengthening its team in several areas to support the further development of the technology and we now look for a Planning and Modification Manager to strengthen our Operations department. In this key role you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of facility modifications and rectifications, as well as coordinate all activities, including maintenance activities; enabling continuous technology testing and development.
What we offer
- A key operational role in a growing and innovative organization
- Work with advanced process technology and industrial scale development
- Be part of major development and industrialization projects
- Join a collaborative team with strong technical expertise
What you will be doing
- Responsible for modification and rectification projects from concept through implementation and commissioning. Define scope for implementation, schedule, and priorities in alignment with facility test schedules.
- Responsible for initiating and supporting failure mode identification, need for modification/rectification and root-cause analysis.
- Coordinate stakeholders including Technology Development engineers, operations, technical disciplines, procurement, contractors, and HSE.
- Responsible for proper engineering governance and that Management of Change (MoC) processes are followed.
- Ensure technical documentation (e.g. P&IDs, procedures, drawings) is updated following changes.
- Initiate and assist with risk assessments, HAZOP, and engineering verification processes following changes.
- Interface management; The role ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and involved at the appropriate stage of the modification process.
- Responsible for coordinated planning of modifications and maintenance with ongoing operations, to ensure maximum facility availability for testing campaigns.
- Drive task allocation and follow-up of work packages.
- Manage procurement and budgeting for modification.
- Contribute to further scale-up of HalZero (Industial Consept Pilot)
What will make you successful?
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or similar).
- Minimum 8–10 years relevant experience in industrial operations, test facilities, pilot plants, or process industry.
- Proven experience in project management of technical modifications.
- Experience with maintenance management, shutdown/outage planning, or facility operations.
- Experience with Management of Change (MoC) processes
- Familiarity with risk assessments, HAZOP, and engineering verification processes.
- Experience coordinating contractors and external engineering resources.
- Ability to manage multiple technical stakeholders and priorities simultaneously.
- Hands-on and pragmatic approach to solving operational challenges.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and operational teams.
- Ability to translate technical solutions into executable plans.
- Fluency in Norwegian and English (Norwegian is the operational language in the test facility)
The position is based in Porsgrunn, and requires physical presence in our facilities.
Equal opportunities
At Hydro, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives, and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We review every application fairly and strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed.
Please attach all relevant diplomas and transcripts with your application. We only accept electronic applications through our application portal. Applications and CVs will not be received by email.
This position has been classified as high-risk due to access to sensitive information and/or critical systems.
As a part of the application process, we include screening questions to help us establish connections to high-risk countries. In addition, candidates who progress to the final stage will undergo a background check conducted by an independent third-party provider.
The background check may include identity verification and relevant security-related checks that are proportionate to the role. Candidates will receive detailed information about the process before any checks are carried out.
Apply before: 04/12/2026
If you have any questions, please contact:
Hiring manager
Malin Alette Bjørkelund Lervåg
Malin.Lervag@hydro.com
(Norway +47) 90582709
Recruiter
Siri Randen
Siri.Randen@hydro.com
(Norway +47) 94821618
