Senior Project Controls Manager

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.

The Senior Project Controls Manager is responsible for overseeing and leading all aspects of project controls across multiple or large-scale capital projects. This includes planning, scheduling, cost control, progress measurement, change management, forecasting, and reporting. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while aligning with company objectives and client expectations.

Primary Location: Nashville, Tennessee.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules using tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Establish and manage project budgets, cost control systems, cash flow, and earned value analysis.
• Lead and supervise a team of schedulers, cost analysts, and document control professionals.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Identify and analyze project risks, trends, and deviations; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Implement and maintain project controls procedures, systems, and tools in alignment with company standards.
• Support project setup including WBS, coding structures, baseline development, and resource loading.
• Lead change management and change order processes; ensure all changes are properly documented and incorporated into cost and schedule baselines.
• Prepare and present executive-level progress reports and dashboards to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Support proposal development and provide input on execution plans, schedules, and budgets during bid phase.
• Coach and mentor junior staff; promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Liase with AE FP&A to forecast cash required to support multiple ongoing projects.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field. Master’s degree or PMP certification is a plus.
• 10 years of experience in project controls with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior management role.
• Strong expertise in project planning and cost control methodologies, including earned value management (EVM).
• Proficient in scheduling and cost management software: Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel, and cost systems such as Deltek, EcoSys, or similar.
• Experience working in PMC, EPC, EPCM, or industrial capital projects (e.g., oil & gas, infrastructure, power, chemicals, or renewables).
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work across time zones and manage global teams, if required.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

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.