Vice President of Projects

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered greenhouse gas emissions. The results are lower cost, better performing batteries, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. This closed-loop process also allows for fewer end-of-life batteries being discarded in landfills. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

The Vice President of Projects is a member of the Company’s senior management team and is responsible for key value creation activities in the company. The candidate will have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future success of the company by providing outstanding managerial and technical leadership in project delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role that will directly impact our ability to scale operations and requires a leader with extensive experience in materials / chemical engineering, project management, production management and cross-functional collaboration. This position will report directly to the President.

Location: Covington, GA or Hopkinsville, KY

Key Responsibilities

• Lead expert project management and coordination to ensure we have the expertise, resources, and capacity to achieve project target
• Work cross-functionally with Health & Safety, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain and Plant Operations to ensure alignment on project objectives and resource allocation, provide visibility to overall project plans and delivery, and drive execution
• Establish project management standard operating practice (SOP) and project management standard for all Ascend Elements products
• Utilize the best practice methods to provide expert project delivery and technical delivery across various initiatives
• Provide leadership and direction to the in-house Project Management function as well as to any outsourced project partners
• Oversee all projects, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budgets, and alignment with quality standards
• Responsible for shaping and executing the functional strategy to achieve key business objectives of the Company
• Deliver safe, high-quality projects which deliver material return for the company
• Ensure conformance with standard operating practices, business controls as well as compliance with regulatory standards
• Oversee project assurance from project award to commissioning and start-up

Leadership

• Lead a high-performing team of project managers, engineers and controls professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, cost efficiency, continuous improvement and delivery
• Lead through multiple levels of managers of diverse activities
• Evaluate key business challenges, direct the development of new or innovative solutions
• Mentor and coach future leaders

Problem Solving

• Drive the resolution of complex project or unusual business problems
• Balance the challenges of financial, quality and schedule to optimize the long-term return for the company
• Develop and manage project budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality and performance

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 20+ years of experience in project management, with a focus on battery materials, energy or related industries. Experience with EPC a plus.
• Big company and small company experience, a plus. Proven track record of leading large-scale projects, particularly in the construction of manufacturing facilities or mega plants.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills, ability to display and exercise sound judgment
• Applies in-depth knowledge of project management, manufacturing, safety, quality standards, inspection and testing to ensure strong manufacturing and operational performance
• Demonstrated record of diligence and attention to detail working with very high standards both personally and technically

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP).
• Opportunity to lead business-critical projects of a high growth company in a new high growth industry
• A collaborative and innovative work environment dedicated to sustainability

Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.