About e-Zinc

e-Zinc is a leading energy storage venture based in Toronto with a breakthrough technology poised to disrupt the market. As the global energy grid moves to higher levels of penetration of renewable energy, there will be an exponential increase in demand for low-cost, flexible, long-duration energy storage. This is the market targeted by e-Zinc, the first in the world to “metalize” electricity.

e-Zinc is on an incredible trajectory, which is illustrated by many significant funding and award milestones that recognize its unique technology and strong business plan, including:

• Raised more than CAD $80M in financing, partnering with Investors including Toyota Ventures, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Evok Innovations, Eni Next, Business Development Canada (BDC), Anzu Partners, Economic Development Canada (EDC)
• Named to the Global Cleantech 100 as one of the top 100 most promising cleantech companies across the world for the last 3 years (2022-2024)
• $1M grand prize winner of Impact Canada’s Charging the Future Challenge
• Won a $1.6M grant through Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada
• Awarded >$12M in grant funding across 3 projects from Sustainable Technology Development Canada (SDTC)
• Awarded a USD $1.3M grant through California Energy Commission

e-Zinc is now looking to expand its talented team to bring its technology to market to support the renewable energy transformation.

Opportunity

e-Zinc is searching for an exceptionally talented Director/Principal Program Manager to lead and oversee the entire lifecycle of battery product development, from initial research and development (R&D) to design & engineering, and finally, operations & manufacturing. This role requires a deep understanding of complex electrochemistry and electromechanical hardware product development processes and the ability to manage multi-faceted interdisciplinary projects to bring innovative battery solutions to market. Importantly, the Director/Principal Program Manager will be responsible for establishing the procedures and culture of Program Management at e-Zinc. e-Zinc has existing Program Managers and this leadership role will now oversee these individuals. Therefore, this role will involve reviewing all functional development timelines, assessing the interaction and interdependency of different programs and initiatives, and assigning projects and programs to the team to oversee the completion of work.

This is a rare opportunity that provides a platform to the right person to help shape a young company’s technology and New Product Introduction (NPI) strategy and contribute meaningfully to its success. The ideal candidate thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, is intelligent and business savvy, and has a passion for success to ensure we achieve our goals collaboratively and collectively.

Accountability

The Director/Principal Program Manager will report directly to the CEO to oversee cross-functional programs. This individual will become an expert in e-Zinc’s battery cell, power electronics, software & controls, and air system in order to drive the transformation of the technology into a commercial product that is deployed at customer sites. The successful candidate will have experience with managing an end-to-end process to ensure e-Zinc meets its commercialization milestones and objectives.

Position Scope and Responsibilities

• Program and Project Management in Battery Product Development: Work closely with the Technology Development team to facilitate execution of the Technology Roadmap using e-Zinc’s Stage Gate based product development process. Develop and execute comprehensive program and project strategies that align with e-Zinc's organizational goals. Develop project schedules and ensure the organization is collectively and successfully executing to these timelines.
• Program Management Leadership: Develop project management knowledge and expertise throughout the organization. Manage, and build over time, a team of Program/Project Managers.
• Familiarity and ability to manage projects for auxiliary hardware systems that include mechanical, electrical, power electronics, and embedded software. Knowledgeable in electrochemical systems, familiar with processes required for scaling up from bench scale to full size electrochemical cell or battery.
• Executive Engagement: Partner with the Executive team to develop and maintain the company's product roadmap and portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Manage cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration among R&D, Design & Engineering, Operations, and Commercial departments. Ensure all teams are aligned and working efficiently towards common program goals and facilitate smooth handoffs between each department.
• Stakeholder Management and Communication: Serve as the key liaison between internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders. Communicate program progress, risks, and strategies effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Risk Management and Problem Solving: Proactively identify risks and obstacles within the program lifecycle, from R&D to manufacturing. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and problem-solving measures to ensure program success.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure program success. Provide regular updates to stakeholders on program progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Leverage lessons learned and best practices to drive continuous improvement in program management processes and methodologies.
• Schedule, Budget and Resource Management: Oversee program schedule, budgets, and resource allocation. Ensure projects are delivered within allocated budgets and timelines, making adjustments as necessary to address project needs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum undergraduate degree (Engineering or Applied Sciences preferred)
• 10+ years of experience managing programs/projects valued at $10MM+ in support of commercializing complex products that combine electrochemistry, catalysis, complex hardware and software (fuel cells and batteries preferred), including managing Program/Project Managers
• Successfully developing and implementing project and program management processes
• Proficient in project management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday etc.) and basic familiarity with industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO, UL, IEC, etc.)
• Legally eligible to work in Canada and able to travel internationally, notably to the U.S. for project kick-offs and strategic meetings

An Asset:

• PMP certification
• Experience managing a phase-gate product development process, managing cross-functional teams in development, productization (NPI), demo/pilot projects and product launch into production.

Other Skills:

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Ability to strategize at both a high level and dive into the technical details when necessary. Strong analytical skills to solve complex problems.
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate interdisciplinary teams towards achieving project objectives. Ability to establish and appropriately tailor project management frameworks in accordance with e-Zinc’s needs.
• Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical and project management concepts to a wide range of audiences.
• Risk Management: Strong capability in identifying and mitigating technical, operational, and project risks.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning within a technology development context.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing technology landscapes and overcome project and technical challenges with resilience.

Studies show that individuals in underrepresented groups tend to not apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the listed criteria. If you find you are passionate about a role and meet a good portion of the items listed, we encourage you to apply!

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At e-Zinc we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where we consider, celebrate, and embrace diversity. We thrive in an environment of mutual respect and welcome all applicants.

Accommodations will be provided as requested by candidates at any stage of the hiring process. If you require accommodations, please email careers@e-zinc.ca.