Head of Recycling

Ascend Elements (AE) 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.


Driven by the legislation in US and North America and general drive for sustainability within the automotive sector AE is seeing a dramatic growth in new business & strategic collaboration opportunities. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Recycling. This position will lead all recycling operations across North America and Europe, including oversight of AE’s joint venture in Europe. The role will be responsible for full P&L management, feedstock sourcing, byproduct sales, strategic planning, import/export compliance and permitting and expansion initiatives, including M&A and investments.


This position reports to the SVP Commercial.


Primary Responsibilities



  • Build and manage a high performing team that effectively operates within a matrix organization throughout AE and affiliated entities.

  • Oversee the implementation of recycling operations processes.

  • Generate and leverage a network of relationships with EOL battery collectors and production scrap decision makers.

  • Deliver profitable and stable stream of feedstock for US and EU operations.

  • Develop by-product off-take arrangements and contracts.

  • Develop and execute a strategy for recycling operations growth.

  • Oversee operations in NA and EU, including delivering and reporting P&L.

  • Develop and maintain permitting compliance for hazardous material (feedstock and Black Mass) shipments between NA, EU and Asia regions.

  • Develop and execute business and financial models.

  • Lead or support negotiations for key commercial agreements, including feedstock supply, byproduct offtake, partnerships, and service contracts.

  • Work with the strategy team to support expansion activities including Joint Ventures and M&A initiatives.

  • Lead annual budgeting and long-term revenue forecasting.


Qualifications & Experience:



  • Extensive experience in a business development leadership role within battery material or battery recycling sector.

  • Demonstrated success in feedstock sourcing and byproduct commercialization.

  • Experience with regulatory permitting, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

  • Proven experience with full P&L ownership and operational scaling.

  • Skilled in contract negotiation and developing commercial agreements.

  • Experience with financial modeling, business case development, and strategic planning.

  • Knowledge of M&A processes and investment evaluation preferred.

  • Hands-on, detailed oriented leader who promotes a lean culture oriented towards action and results delivery.

  • Experience developing and managing a team in an ever-changing environment.

  • Experience and track record of performance for a start-up / scale up organization would be an advantage.

  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an occasionally high-pressure environment.

  • Proactive, solution-orientation with exceptional judgment and creativity. Ability to think strategically, appropriately weighing commercial, financial and business objectives.

  • Experience collaborating across departments (operations, sales, R&D, and supply chain) to ensure operational goals align with recycling strategy.

  • Excellent oral and written communication, as well as interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.


Work Environment



  • Fast-paced, hands-on, start-up type environment.

  • Frequent travel throughout North America and occasional travel to Europe. (25-30%)



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.


Our Hiring Process

Benefits and Culture

From health and wellness to employee engagement and professional development, our goal is to foster a thriving workplace culture. Check out our benefits and culture section to learn more about our various programs and initiatives.

We are committed to supporting a company culture that will positively impact your quality of life and contribute to your professional success – making Ascend Elements somewhere you’ll want to stay for a long time.

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Employee-Benefits-Option-3-e1712002005176

Who We Are

We are made up of an impressive variety of talented employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

United States Veterans
Ascend Element United States Veterans — From serving our country to joining the Ascend Elements Team. Find your new home with a strong and proud group of fellow veterans.

"Ascend Elements is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven company at the ground floor, where your well-earned technical and leadership skills can have a direct impact on our growth and progress in a pioneer US industry. Ascend Elements provides a work environment and culture all too familiar with veterans; like-minded individuals (including many veterans) from diverse backgrounds and skills working towards a common goal through commitment and collaboration."

Ben Pope

Construction Program Manager, United States Marine Corps

“Similar to the reason why most veterans joined the military, employees at Ascend Elements feel a sense of purpose and meaning beyond themselves. It's not just a job here, it's everyone at Ascend marching in the same direction with the end goal of keeping America at the top of cutting-edge technology in the battery materials industry and preserving rare Earth metals.”

Cory Radcliffe

Construction Program Manager United States Marine Corps and Air Force

"You can apply skills learned in the military like teamwork and critical thinking every day to solve problems in an environment where your background is welcomed. In the same vein as my time in the Army, I get to provide meaningful contributions to real world problems alongside a group of people committed to a collective goal."

Andrew Walther

Construction Program Manager, United States Army

Interns to Full Time
Interns can journey to full-time team members. From interns to full time employees. Hear how their experience drove them to join the Ascend Elements Team permanently.

“Being an intern at AE allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in engineering. Working on projects at the pilot facility brought my academic knowledge to life, deepening my understanding of engineering concepts. Choosing permanent employment at AE post-graduation was driven by the company's rapid growth, ensuring diverse experiences across multiple engineering domains and avoiding monotony in tasks."

Alexis Clark

Chemical Engineer

"Being an intern at Ascend Elements opened many doors for me and helped me to land several interviews both inside and outside AE prior to joining full time. The experience I accrued as an intern helped to guide my thinking and to realize what career path I wanted to pursue. You will not find a more dedicated and passionate team than Team Ascend!"

Matt Eggert

Associate Scientist

Passion for Communities 
& Sustainability
Want to make a difference? From sustainability to community advocacy, our employees have a passion for making the world a better place.

“Ascend Elements’ investment and commitment in Hopkinsville will be a game changer for our community for generations to come. The Ascend Elements leadership is dedicated to not only upcycling, but also the culture of growth within the organization.”

DeeAnna Sova

Equity Program Manager

"Ascend Elements is a company that is going to change the carbon footprint on the earth by recycling EV batteries. We are always working on ways to change the future of an EV batteries in the world. AE has found a process to keep batteries out of landfills and to recycle them back to a battery grade product that can be reused and/or recycled."

Kay Dixon

Sales Order Specialist

Similar Jobs

Head of Recycling

Ascend Elements (AE) 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.


Driven by the legislation in US and North America and general drive for sustainability within the automotive sector AE is seeing a dramatic growth in new business & strategic collaboration opportunities. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Recycling. This position will lead all recycling operations across North America and Europe, including oversight of AE’s joint venture in Europe. The role will be responsible for full P&L management, feedstock sourcing, byproduct sales, strategic planning, import/export compliance and permitting and expansion initiatives, including M&A and investments.


This position reports to the SVP Commercial.


Primary Responsibilities



  • Build and manage a high performing team that effectively operates within a matrix organization throughout AE and affiliated entities.

  • Oversee the implementation of recycling operations processes.

  • Generate and leverage a network of relationships with EOL battery collectors and production scrap decision makers.

  • Deliver profitable and stable stream of feedstock for US and EU operations.

  • Develop by-product off-take arrangements and contracts.

  • Develop and execute a strategy for recycling operations growth.

  • Oversee operations in NA and EU, including delivering and reporting P&L.

  • Develop and maintain permitting compliance for hazardous material (feedstock and Black Mass) shipments between NA, EU and Asia regions.

  • Develop and execute business and financial models.

  • Lead or support negotiations for key commercial agreements, including feedstock supply, byproduct offtake, partnerships, and service contracts.

  • Work with the strategy team to support expansion activities including Joint Ventures and M&A initiatives.

  • Lead annual budgeting and long-term revenue forecasting.


Qualifications & Experience:



  • Extensive experience in a business development leadership role within battery material or battery recycling sector.

  • Demonstrated success in feedstock sourcing and byproduct commercialization.

  • Experience with regulatory permitting, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

  • Proven experience with full P&L ownership and operational scaling.

  • Skilled in contract negotiation and developing commercial agreements.

  • Experience with financial modeling, business case development, and strategic planning.

  • Knowledge of M&A processes and investment evaluation preferred.

  • Hands-on, detailed oriented leader who promotes a lean culture oriented towards action and results delivery.

  • Experience developing and managing a team in an ever-changing environment.

  • Experience and track record of performance for a start-up / scale up organization would be an advantage.

  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an occasionally high-pressure environment.

  • Proactive, solution-orientation with exceptional judgment and creativity. Ability to think strategically, appropriately weighing commercial, financial and business objectives.

  • Experience collaborating across departments (operations, sales, R&D, and supply chain) to ensure operational goals align with recycling strategy.

  • Excellent oral and written communication, as well as interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.


Work Environment



  • Fast-paced, hands-on, start-up type environment.

  • Frequent travel throughout North America and occasional travel to Europe. (25-30%)



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.


Instrumentation and Electrical Technician

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.


Job Summary: The Instrumentation and Electrical Technician will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation, electrical systems, control systems, and computer data systems. This role requires a versatile technician with expertise in multiple disciplines to ensure the efficient operation of our facilities and systems.


Key Responsibilities:





    • Install, maintain, and repair electrical, instrumentation, and control systems equipment.

    • Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on electrical systems.

    • Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and instrumentation issues.

    • Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

    • Monitor and adjust control systems to optimize performance.

    • Diagnose and repair control system malfunctions.

    • Collaborate with engineering teams to implement control system upgrades.

    • Install, configure, and maintain computer hardware and software systems.

    • Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.

    • Ensure data integrity and security through regular backups and updates.

    • Provide technical support to end-users and resolve IT-related issues.




Desired Qualifications:


Education:



  • Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or a related field.

  • Technical Diploma in Electronics or Electrical Systems.


Certifications:



  • Certified Instrumentation Technician (CIT): Demonstrates expertise in installing, troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing instrumentation systems.

  • Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST): Focuses on control systems and their maintenance.

  • Electrical Technician Certification: Covers electrical principles and safety procedures.

  • PLC Programming Certification: Provides knowledge in programmable logic controllers, which are essential for control systems.

  • CompTIA A+ Certification: Validates skills in computer hardware and software, useful for maintaining computer data systems.


Additional Qualifications:



  • Apprenticeship Program: Practical experience through hands-on training.

  • Safety Training: Knowledge of safety standards and regulations.


Physical Requirements:



  • Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.

  • Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs

  • While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.

  • Ability to work at height, in man lifts, climb ladders, and stand and/or walk for extended periods.

  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.


APPLY TODAY!


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.



Plant Controller

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.


We’re hiring a Plant Controller who will be responsible for providing financial support to the Manufacturing facility to enhance profitability through detailed understanding and review of plant costs. The Plant Controller will leverage finance tools and processes to drive clarity of results to influence operations leadership. Individual will create or sustain a strong controls environment with focus on accurately representing plant costs, assets and liabilities and leverage this strong understanding of the accounting model and create opportunities for cost improvements and higher returns on plant assets.


This position is based in Covington, Georgia.


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



  • Responsible for the accuracy of the standard costs starting with the bill of materials and item costs, labor routings, labor rates, as well as overhead assignments.

  • Establish and maintain policies and procedures for month-end close to ensure that all required journal entries are prepared and posted to the general ledger for the plant.

  • Reports variances to set standards in a manner that supervisors and managers can understand and takes corrective action. Accountable for the performance of the plant, explaining all production variances on a weekly / monthly basis as well as participating in proactive measures to reduce variances from standard cost.

  • Analyzes and models changes in product design, raw materials, overhead, manufacturing methods, etc., for effects on production costs.

  • Analyze and report manufacturing efficiency variances and determine corrective action requirements. Ensure items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.

  • Assists with estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.

  • May serve as technical resource to others in the resolution of complex problems, and orient, train, assign, mentor, and review the work of others. Acts as subject matter expert in understanding and interpreting accounting principles.

  • Review capital expenditure requests and prepare ROI analysis, as needed.

  • Reviews control procedures over accounting and financial activities. Provides guidance to ensure that internal accounting controls are in place to protect company assets. Ensures an adequate system of internal control is maintained, and that general ledger accounts are correctly stated, maintains SOX compliance.

  • Provides independent oversight of inventory management to ensure accurate physical levels and alignment with the accounting systems and reported amounts.

  • Supports the plant, division, and corporate leadership and collaborates with other departments on the execution of company strategies and attainment of company/plant goals.

  • Support tax compliance, including preparing and submitting transfer pricing schedules and other analysis, as required.


Scope of Responsibility:



  • Independent; works under only minimal instructions and expected to determine how to accomplish the work assignments.

  • Carries out with appreciable latitude for actions and decisions all aspects of difficult projects that are broad in nature and require originality and/or ingenuity.

  • This job has limited supervisory responsibilities but does act in a lead role.


Education and Skill Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Masters Preferred.

  • 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment at the facility level; 10+ years total accounting experience.

  • Good working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

  • Good understanding of process standard cost accounting.

  • Must have a proven record of success as a strategically oriented financial manager with knowledge of cost accounting, production planning and operations analysis.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to seek resources as needed.

  • Collaborative interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

  • Results-oriented focus and approach.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and Access).

  • SAP (Cloud 4/Hana) and Power BI Experience preferred.

  • Ability to drive process improvement and accurately determine deadlines.

  • Very strong organizational and business process skills with attention to detail.

  • Ability to prioritize and work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision.

  • Must understand process flows and have an above average understanding of process capabilities within their facilities.

  • CPA or CMA is preferred


APPLY TODAY!


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.


Assistant Corporate Controller

Ascend Element 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 Assistant Corporate Controller reports to the Corporate Controller and will be responsible for leading and driving the monthly closing process and assisting the Controller with managing overall accounting operations of Ascend Elements, Inc. The Assistant Controller will direct and manage the organization’s expense side of its accounting function, including establishing and maintaining accounting principles, practices, and procedures, preparing financial statements, and reporting to senior management.


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


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



  • The candidate is required to have experience with managing and improving monthly and other period end (monthly, quarterly and annual) accounting close cycles.

  • Managing payables and related payment support with the Director of Treasury.

  • Have the ability to develop and mentor junior staff.

  • Both create entries and/or post other key contributor’s entries within SAP 4/HANA Cloud.

  • Manage T&E reimbursement process to ensure all required receipts support the requested. reimbursement (Concur) and are timely reimbursed to the employees.

  • Prepare/review the appropriate account reconciliations on a monthly basis.

  • Provide support for external Audits and Quarterly review procedures.

  • Evaluate and ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures.

  • Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization as necessary.

  • Serve as a key member of the accounting and finance leadership team, maintaining in-depth relationships with each member, participating in key decisions with the team and providing leadership and expertise to local leadership in areas relating to accounting.

  • Help to establish and monitor internal controls to ensure that accounting activities are in accordance with established legal, regulatory, US GAAP and company policies and procedures.

  • Support new systems or project selections and implement them from strategic finance and internal control perspective.

  • Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.


Requirements/Qualifications/Education:



  • 10+ years relevant experience to include top 10 firm.

  • CPA required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred, advanced degrees such as an MBA, MSA are desired.

  • Current solid ERP systems background (SAP), including reporting tools such as SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) or similar, as well as Concur.

  • Proficient in Word and Excel.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Strong organizational and analytical skills.

  • Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.

  • Team player with exceptional interpersonal skills suited to a fast paced, value driven culture.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.



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.


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