Plant Operations

It doesn’t get more important than Plant Operations. You’ll work with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment as part of a highly skilled team. We follow best practices in safety to achieve production targets, maintain product quality and ensure operational excellence.

Plant 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.


We are hiring a Plant Manager who will be responsible for managing all production activities and direction of the facility to achieve production, safety, and staff goals.




Job Responsibilities:



  • Provide leadership across the precursor of cathode active materials (pCAM) chemical plant to ensure continuous improvement in safety, quality, production, services, and costs.

  • Manage specialty chemical manufacturing, and quality teams to efficiently use materials and machinery.

  • Lead this operating unit for effective production management including daily weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual management methods.

  • Coach, direct and hold accountable department managers and supervisors in effectively managing each respective department.

  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, federal laws, company policies and procedures.

  • Oversee, plan and implement production to ensure production and plant-specific construction deadlines are met.

  • Prepare operational schedules and coordinate manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality of products meet specifications.

  • Effectively communicates production targets and priorities to manufacturing and support teams.

  • Develop annual budget plan and capital budget requirements. Function as program manager of all capital projects managers.

  • Develop and implement appropriate cost-saving ideas for production operations. Generate and implement ideas for continual process improvement.

  • Develops, manages to, and reports on functional areas of responsibility via performance metrics, functional KPIs and Continuous Improvements activities within all areas of manufacturing site.

  • Maintain production and inventory records. Manage KPI’s

  • Monitor and maintain all applicable production permits and ensure that the facility complies with all local, state, federal and company policies.

  • Coach and develop peers, and practitioners in Lean practices to lead advancement of the company’s applied Lean principals working with lean consultants and leadership

  • Manage employee selection, training, performance evaluation, documentation, salary, and termination processes. Maintain a positive, initiative-taking labor environment.

  • Ability to effectively manage associate relation situations.




Education:



  • Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree required, engineering or science preferred.

  • Master’s degree or MBA preferred


Experience:



  • Minimum 5 years as a Plant Manager

  • Complete understanding of US EPA and OSHA requirements


Skills and Requirements:



  • Strong leadership and people skills.

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

  • Computer proficiency, including spreadsheets and presentations.

  • Strong knowledge of financial analysis and P&L; ability to apply financial theory and practices.

  • Understands and enforces adherence to OSHA and Company safety guidelines.

  • Knowledge of environmental health and safety compliance requirements.

  • Ability to develop an on-going safety culture.

  • Ability to speak, read and write English

  • Eligible to work in the US required


Physical Requirements:



  • 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.


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.



#LI-Onsite


Material Planning & Logistics 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.


We are currently growing our Supply Chain team and adding a Material Planning & Logistics (MP&L) Manager who will be responsible for all material movement and handling for our future Apex site in Hopkinsville, KY.


In this role you will be responsible for handling and scheduling materials as needed, coordinating internal flow, receiving and shipment of materials and inventory accuracy, utilizing SAP as system of record. The MP&L will lead the loading/unloading of trucks and railcars, set up/breakdown equipment and assist with stock handling and inventory controls in all the locations under her/his responsibility, which will include the buildings inside the site and potentially external warehouses and terminals as well. In addition you will be responsible for creating budgets, streamlining processes, problem-solving and organizing storage.


Other Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Manage inventory as well as warehouse, transportation, and other logistics processes.

  • Develop new strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs.

  • Ensure that quality, quantity, customer satisfaction, and financial commitments are met.

  • Perform metrics reporting and data analysis tasks to identify issues and opportunities for process improvements.

  • Partner and communicate with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers.

  • Manage and develop logistics staff.

  • Create and manage budgets.

  • Strategically plan and manage inventory, warehouse (offsite warehousing as well), transportation, and customer service.

  • Keep track of inventory of raw materials, WIP, finished goods. Meet cost, productivity, accuracy, and timeliness targets.

  • Monitor OTIF, quality, stock levels, delivery times, transport costs, and process efficiency.

  • Resolve any arising problems or complaints vise, coach and train the inventory team.

  • Maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements to operations.

  • Monitor and support purchasing and production planning.


Education and other Qualifications :



  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, logistics, business administration, transportation, or engineering

  • 10 – 15 years of experience working in logistics, warehouse, or transportation operations

  • Firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles

  • Strong team player

  • Ability to manage, coach, and provide training for direct reports.

  • Exceptional organizational and analytical skills

  • Working knowledge of logistics and inventory software


Physical Requirements:



  • 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.


This job is located in Hopkinsville, KY. If the selected candidate does not reside in the area, he/she must be able to relocate. Remote work is not an option.


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.


Future opportunities within Plant Operations

Thank you for your interest in Ascend Elements. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. If you did not see a position that fits what you are looking for, submit your resume for consideration for future opportunities at one of our 4 locations.


Chemical Plant Production 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.


Chemical Plant Production Manager


Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; conflict resolution; team building; coaching and leading employees to improve; addressing complaints and resolving problems; documentation; and setting an example of superior behavior, attitude, and performance.


Duties & Responsibilities:



  • Oversee operation of the entire production process, including upgrades and repairs of major equipment

  • Oversee and supervise all production supervisors and employees.

  • Initiate programs to set and maintain quality, efficiencies, and production levels to high standards that define the industry and communicate standards to staff.

  • Evaluate new trends (methods and machinery, safety programs and standards, etc.) within the manufacturing industry.

  • Make recommendations and assist in planning, equipment purchases, and budgeting.

  • Maintain excellent working conditions, a safe work environment, and high morale within the plant.

  • Keep Management informed regarding problems or situations that may affect the overall production/operation of the plant.

  • Work cross functionally with Quality Assurance to establish and perform corrective actions.

  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues to maintain the quality of the product and maximize efficiency.

  • Prepare status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends, recommending actions.

  • Write or update SOPs and batch records to ensure proper operating procedures.

  • Monitor the equipment performance during manufacturing and perform inspections.

  • Verify the cleaning and proper maintenance of equipment and rooms, managing progress with the maintenance staff.

  • Develop business metrics and key performance drivers and execute strategic plans to improve these metrics.

  • Actively lead continuous improvement in manufacturing including safety and environmental processes

  • Comply with company policies and procedures.

  • Additional duties as assigned by management.


Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemical preferred

  • 10+ years in a manufacturing environment as a process engineer or production leader

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong project management skills

  • Proven record in training employees in safety and production

  • Strong analytical decision problem solving skills.

  • Must be computer literate – general Microsoft Office programs.

  • Strong working knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, including PSM.

  • Ability to coach and motivate employees.

  • The ability to direct manufacturing efforts and meet the directives and goals established by the Management team.

  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues to maintain the quality of the product and maximize efficiency.


Physical Requirements:



  • 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.



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.


You can make a difference — creating a truly sustainable battery industry

With North America’s largest battery recycling facility, strong relationships across the industry and our patented direct precursor synthesis technology, we are building a world-class team to meet industry demand for closed-loop battery materials solutions.

You can make a difference — creating a truly sustainable battery industry

With North America’s largest battery recycling facility, strong relationships across the industry and our patented direct precursor synthesis technology, we are building a world-class team to meet industry demand for closed-loop battery materials solutions.