Human Resources Manager

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 GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

The Human Resources Manager will play a vital role in driving the HR strategy across all aspects of the employee lifecycle. Reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, the HR Manager will be both strategic and operational, responsible for managing critical HR operational functions and ensuring a highly effective and efficient experience including compensation & benefits, workforce planning, performance management, employee relations, compliance, learning & development, and strategic initiatives. This role is crucial in enhancing scalable processes, fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring delivery of HR strategies.

This is a hybrid position with an on-site component at our Westborough, MA offices.

Responsibilities:

Compensation & Benefits

• Develop and manage salary structures, incentive plans, and job evaluation processes to ensure fair and competitive pay.
• Manage administration of employee insurance plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and perks that support employee well-being.
• Proactively monitor the effectiveness of existing compensation and benefit practices through benchmarking; recommend changes that are cost effective and consistent with market trends and corporate objectives.
• Act as a primary point of contact for compensation and benefit requests. Consult employees and business leaders on job evaluations, policy interpretations, benefit related questions and pay decisions.
• Act as primary contact for benefit providers, brokers, and consultants to ensure quality service and optimal plan administration.

Performance Management

• Establish performance evaluation process and feedback mechanisms that drive strong performance and enhance employee development.
• Coach and develop managers to set and manage performance goals, provide feedback and develop their teams.
• Identify training and development needs, develop skill-building workshops and programs as appropriate.

Employee Relations

• Provide advice and consultation to employees and management, including coaching and counseling on performance management issues, conflict management, interpretation of employment policies and resolution.
• Conduct and resolve investigations regarding employee complaints and concerns.

Compliance

• Perform regular internal audits and reporting to ensure compliance with federal, state and provider regulatory requirements.

Strategic HR Initiatives

• Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Assist with the aggregation, preparation and maintenance of HR metrics, reports and analysis of key performance indicators, such as employee turnover, engagement and performance metrics.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, drive process improvement and inform strategic decisions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes for increased efficiency and improved employee experience.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration or other related field, preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Human Resources.
• Experience with employee relations, compliance, talent management, compensation analysis, performance management and learning and development.
• Comprehensive understanding of HR compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements a plus.
• Proficiency in benefits administration and compensation analysis and design, including salary benchmarking, incentive plan design and benefit effectiveness.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
• Ability to handle situations with a high sense of urgency and service focus, excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to adapt and lead through change in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in conflict resolution, problem solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and demonstrate end-to-end ownership.
• Excellent customer service and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS, data analysis and compensation/benefits tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

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.