Technical Sales Manager - South Korea

Director of Project Management – On Site, Westborough MA

Global

***Location: On-Site, Westborough MA***

Ascend Elements is a technology company commercializing the patented low-cost process for producing high quality cathode active materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. Founded with technology initially developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and with facilities in Massachusetts, Michigan and Georgia, we have built strong relationships throughout the electric vehicle supply chain. We are expanding out project and program management team to execute our plans for rapid growth in 2024 and beyond including our first cathode materials production facility in Kentucky.

The Director of the Program Management Office (PMO) reports to the CFO/COO. The Dir of the PMO is responsible for planning and overseeing major corporate projects that include R&D project teams with the vehicle OEMs, lithium-ion battery manufacturers, and battery active material producers. In addition, the role supports global strategy and business development activities.

Responsibilities:

Design and implement a corporate stage-gate process for the corporate PMO.

Oversee projects deliverables of direct reports to ensure outcomes consistent with expectations.

Develop and maintain detailed project plans, project charters with scopes and objectives to track progress and oversee all institutionalization other critical project management tools.

Push for critical focus on budget, scope, schedule, and critical paths within the PMO and Company.

Prepare and maintain reporting tools to communicate project performance (e.g., weekly scorecard)

Perform risk assessments and management to minimize project threats and optimize project opportunities.

Coordinate internal resources and third parties for the execution of joint-development projects.

Oversee PMO group of 5+ people with projects over $1bn.

PMO tools experience – Project Charters, Schedule Budgets

Define and update project RASIC charts.

Cross-functional focus on accomplishing project goals on time within budget and scope.

Seamless handoffs with focus on the critical path through proactive project plan monitoring, risk management, and cross-functional management of project issues with timely escalation to leadership as required.

Use strong facilitation skills to lead regular project team meetings and apply consistent best practice for meeting agendas, actions, minutes, and other meeting documentation.

Lead options planning, generate recommendations, alternatives, and tradeoffs to strengthen decision-making and optimize the project strategy.

Establish and maintain relationships with internal and third parties/vendors/clients.

Align team activities through tracking of meeting minutes, action items, etc.

Ensure resource availability and allocation across all functions required.

Monitor and track project progress.

Manage change requests and negotiate new schedules and budget impact.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

BA/BS or higher degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical, Mechanical, or applicable Engineering field

Minimum of 10 (Ten) years program management experience in an automotive or chemicals industry.

Experience with APQP is required.

10 years proven working experience in project management; PMP certification preferred.

10 years’ experience building and maintaining project plans, budget and resource forecasts, and project management documentation (key assumptions, risks, etc.).

Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and ability multitask and run multiple projects at the same time.

Proved meeting leadership and interpersonal skills.

Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, and presentation skills required.

Computer proficiency, including spreadsheets and presentations; experience with Microsoft Project is highly desirable.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:
- Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment including dust mask, respirator, safety shoes, gloves, and safety glasses/face shield
- 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.

The employee is committed to and must support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.

Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.

Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Travel up to 50% may be required.

Quality Engineer

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers’ sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

The Quality Engineer supporting Ascend Elements APEX 1 facility in Hopkinsville, KY will be responsible for the overall quality of a specific part of the site production process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Monitor daily production quality performance using SPC (Statistical Process Control).

Initiate and lead RCI (root cause investigations) on non-conforming production results using 8D and Six Sigma methodology with a cross functional team.

Report weekly and monthly SPC and process quality performance for internal and external customers.

Update and maintain SAP Quality Management views.

Lead change management initiatives related to quality improvements.

Participate in establishing quality parameters and systems for new product launch.

Participate in vendor, customer, and internal audits.

Maintain customer specific PPAP and control plans.

Participate in PFMEA reviews.

Analyze quality and production data and propose and lead continuous improvement.

Adherence to established ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and policies.

Conduct Internal, External, and Layered Process Audits.

Identify problem areas and follow up with countermeasures and solutions.

Schedule, review, and document dock audits in the automated audit system.

Respond to customer inquiries and complaints.

Develop, submit, participate in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), for new or existing product(s) to meet APEX 1 requirements.

Coordinate pre-launch production trial run process monitoring.

Serve as administrator of calibration system, which includes performing calibrations, and scheduling.

Perform test as requested for production support.

Supplier product quality monitoring – assist / submit Supplier Corrective Actions.

Oversee the disposition of the non-conforming area.

Develop and update quality system procedures.

Generate process capability analysis.

Effectively coordinate and provide timely completion of supplier corrective action activities.

Comply with all company guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and making recommendations.

Determines quality improvement parameters by identifying statistical methods relevant to manufacturing processes.

Respond to ongoing non-conformities, review for disposition and materials release.

Other duties as assigned.

The employee is committed to and must support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.

Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.

Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Essential Skills

Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and policies experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge of statistical techniques and various types of testing instruments.

Working knowledge of the relationships and roles of internal/external customers and suppliers, including their impact on product and services.

Customer quality assurance experience.

Chemical industry experience preferred, but not required.

Working knowledge of inspection and testing techniques, including various types of sampling plans.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints (drawings) GD&T.

Understanding of the audit process including types of audits, planning, preparation, execution, reporting, and follow up.

Ability to analyze and understand data produced by statistical process control (SPC).

Ability to plan, control, and assure product and process quality in accordance with company’s quality principles.

Understanding of problem solving and quality improvement tools and techniques.

Ability to work well in a multi-functional team environment, portray the company in a professional manner, work non-regular hours as needed.

Ability to safeguard the confidentiality of the company, customer, and employee information.

Commit to and participate in activities for continuous improvement.

Statutory and Regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, customer demands and flexibility in job assignments.

Strong commitment to safety, environment, workplace organization and housekeeping.

Good communication and negotiation skills.

Very good social competence.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Able to work non-standard weekly schedule including off shifts.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or Engineering with minimum 2-5 years of experience in quality and manufacturing environment, chemical industry or equivalent on the job experience.

Prior experience and knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.

Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to compile and present information.

Knowledgeable in SPC.

Familiar with JMP and SAP software.

American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification(s) desired.

Physical Requirements:

Physical working conditions are consistent with a typical office environment.

Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment production facility where there is exposure to (noise, heat, cold, dust, fumes).

Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, respirator, 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 stand and/or walk for extended periods (minimum of eight hours).

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

Thank you.

Position located in Hopkinsville, KY

May require up to 25% of business travel.

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package.

Read about Ascend Elements:

https://ascendelements.com

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.

Associate Battery Test Engineer

Global

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.

Job Description: The Associate Battery Test Engineer of the Company reports to the Engineering and Operations Manager (Novi). In this position, the Employee shall work on small li-ion battery manufacturing, battery testing and additional analytical characterization testing (SEM, BET, Particle Size Analyzer etc). We are looking for a detail orientated hands-on engineer who has experience with battery testing.

Job Core Responsibilities:

Small size battery assembly (half-cell and full cell, Swagelok and pouch formats)

Electrochemical battery testing

Develop test plans and protocols

Perform analytical material characterization testing

Solve technical problems related to routine testing

Analyze tests results and report results/conclusions

Performs troubleshooting on lab equipment as required.

Report test progress to management

Observe all company, state and federal safety and environmental regulations

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and experience:

– Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

– 1-2 years of work experience in R&D or battery testing environment or chemical/materials lab related experience in University or Industry.

– Computer Proficiency (MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

– Good lab practices such as safety, recording and documentation

– Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary

– Excellent communication, presentation and teamwork skills

– Domestic and internal travel (expected < 10%)

– On-Site in Novi, MI

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package

Facilities Sourcing Manager

Covington, Covington, GA

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 Facilities Sourcing Manager is responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services necessary for the maintenance, repair, and operation of facilities within the organization. This role involves developing sourcing strategies, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with various departments to ensure the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of materials and services.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing and Procurement:
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for facilities-related goods and services.
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conduct RFPs, and negotiate contracts to secure the best terms and pricing.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.

Supplier Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
- Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, and service.
- Conduct regular supplier evaluations and performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement.

Contract Management:
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensuring all terms and conditions are adequate for the scope.
- Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations as needed.
- Ensure all contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with key stakeholders, operations, finance, and other departments to understand their needs and requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on procurement processes and best practices.
- Communicate effectively with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of procurement strategies.

Continuous Improvement:
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
- Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and best practices in facilities sourcing and procurement.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to maintain a high level of expertise.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in facilities or a related industry. 10+ years of experience is preferred.

Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Proficiency in procurement software and tools are a plus (e.g., SAP, Ariba).

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, manage multiple demands simultaneously and build a working strategy based on corporate and specific stakeholders needs

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Excel software experience is important.

Strong organizational skills

Location:

This job is hybrid. The selected candidate must be able to work from one of Ascend’s sites (Westborough, MA; Covington, GA; Hopkinsville, KY) as needed/requested, without needing to travel. Frequency of working from office and home will vary.

APPLY TODAY!

Superintendent Production – Off Shift

Covington, Covington, GA

We are actively searching for a Superintendent, off shift operations.

Job Description:

This position will oversee all critical factory functions on the night shift providing leadership in troubleshooting issues, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations of their shift and responsible for managing all functional areas including operations, quality, and maintenance.

This position will be the senior manager on the off shift; responsible to make business decisions affecting the night shift.

The Superintendent for the second shift will report to the Production Manager

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership on the operating floor striving for compliance in safety, health, environmental, and quality

Identifying manpower and workflow problems and initiating corrective actions

Coach, train, and develop operations personnel in safety, quality, production, problem solving, and technical and interpersonal communication skills

Identify and align operational priorities with commercial business vision – ensure production and delivery of the highest quality products at the lowest costs, consistent with customer requirements, company plans and profit objectives

Partner with plant leadership to enhance facility performance and metrics – lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives and develop innovative practices, methods and procedures that add value for the facility

Assists in the broad formulation of manufacturing policies and procedures

Defines training requirements of subordinate supervisors

Create and maintain a cohesive team and provide coaching and development

Maintain a positive work environment for all employees

On the floor leadership engaging with employees and oversee plant operations as appropriate

Coordinates production activities and processes; ensures adequate resources to maintain production schedules according to customer requirements

Supports adherence to company policies and procedures.

Make decisions utilizing subordinates’ input while performing analytical, logical, objective problem solving using the 4M’s – methods, manpower, material, and machinery.

Collects and organizes data in order to generate and maintain reports related to the performance of each line vs the established goals.

Additional Responsibilities:

Be committed to and support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.

Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.

Attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

Follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree of higher preferred

5 years’ experience in the discreet manufacturing and/or chemical industry preferred

Supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing, or industrial environment

Experience setting and achieving production and continuous improvement goals

Manufacturing operations leadership experience with multiple salaried direct reports

Strong background in EHS compliance and hazardous materials management

Knowledge of equipment servicing, planning/scheduling, supply chain management, mechanical maintenance, plant engineering, quality and corrugator/converting processes and equipment

Strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.

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 stand and/or walk for extended periods.

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

APPLY TODAY!

SAP Business Analyst-Supply Chain EWM

Global

We are currently hiring an SAP Business Analyst focused on Supply Chain and Extended Warehouse Management processes! In this role you will be responsible for working directly with business owners to develop an understanding of current requirements and future business needs for managing their function areas. This includes eliciting, analyzing, and evaluating current business practices, workflows and developing strategies to identify technology solutions needed to streamline and optimize business performance that positively impacts business ROI. The Business Analyst will act as the critical bridge between business leaders and users – and implement and support the systems that provide the capabilities that will support lean and efficient operations and provide leadership with the visibility to effectively manage and make proper business decisions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Implements capabilities to manage warehouse and materials management business processes, including establishment & management of existing and new facilities, establishment and management of warehouse structure, master data, receipts of purchased and transferred materials, resource management, inbound processing, outbound processing, warehouse tasks, use of handling units, quality management integration, delivery and shipments to customers and transfers to other facilities, and physical inventory – all within a mixed mode, batch managed manufacturing context (Discrete & Process).

Collaborates with Information Technology and Operational Technology groups in selecting, implementing, and supporting supply chain related hardware such as scanners, barcode label printers, document printers required to support the overall materials management design.

Implements and supports transportation management solutions to optimize transportation planning, load consolidation and carrier selection – ensuring a seamless flow of goods from warehouse to transportation.

Provide reporting and analytics to provide visibility and KPIs around core inventory management, order processing, warehouse task management and resource management to support data-driven decision making.

Supports and participates in multiple projects to translate business needs to design, configure, document, and test software application solutions across multiple functional groups, focused primarily on SAP applications.

Provides support for implemented solutions including post go live support, training, and full regression testing of solutions in support of upgrades.

Understands SAP best practice business processes and uses the knowledge to develop consistent, implementable, and efficient business processes for the user base.

Partners with business leadership/owners to Identify, create, and facilitate process improvements and possible opportunities for automation by conducting business and systems analysis and design at a complex level, focusing on quality improvement and data reliability.

Work collaboratively with implementation partner functional and technical resources to ensure full understanding of implemented capabilities, trade-offs made, and justification for the choices made in implementation.

Document system configuration.

Assists in the design, development and deployment of user access and enterprise system security profiles.

Facilitate development and delivery of training and training materials.

Education and Other Requirements:

Bachelor in MIS or Business in the related business area discipline or equivalent experience.

5+ years’ experience as an SAP ERP Business Analyst, Implementation Consultant or similar discipline.

Experience with SAP S/4HANA, S/4HANA Cloud, Embedded EWM, SAP Transportation Management, SAP Analytics Cloud and the broader SAP portfolio of supply chain-focused applications.

Experience in several full lifecycle enterprise implementations.

Strong oral and written communication & presentation skills; specifically, with end-users, internal and external technical individuals, and leadership teams.

Experience troubleshooting issues, requirements gathering and solution design for enhancement requests, as well as implementing the solution via configuration, etc.

This is a remote opportunity with 25% travel to various production sites. Travel may increase for limited periods during go-live/post-go-live at our plants and warehouses.

APPLY TODAY!

Technical Sales Manager – South Korea

Global

Our Hiring Process

Benefits and Culture

Who We Are

Director of Project Management – On Site, Westborough MA

Global

Quality Engineer

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

Associate Battery Test Engineer

Global

Facilities Sourcing Manager

Covington, Covington, GA

Superintendent Production – Off Shift

Covington, Covington, GA

SAP Business Analyst-Supply Chain EWM

Global