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 performanc