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Position Overview

Senior Corporate Counsel: Ascend is seeking an experienced corporate lawyer with a broad corporate background and developed business sense to serve as Senior Corporate Counsel at its Houston headquarters. The role will involve working closely with Ascend’s commercial and procurement teams and principally involve the negotiation and preparation of a wide-variety of contracts, including some project development and M&A work, together with general corporate counseling.

Key Responsibilities

Review, negotiate, draft, edit, facilitate, and finalize a wide variety and high-volume of Ascend contracts in conjunction with procurement/commercial personnel and proactively handle varied legal matters related to the contracting process. Agreements principally involve both direct (supply of raw materials) and indirect (supply of all other goods, equipment and services) procurement and logistics matters covering the entire spectrum of contracts into which a large, manufacturing company may enter.Provide legal support for project development and M&A activity.Work closely with and provide accurate, concise and timely advice to procurement/commercial personnel regarding a variety of contract matters and related issues. Ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of local, state and federal governments.Effectively and efficiently manage outside counsel when retained as needed.Provide support related to the development and delivery of internal training.Support legal team on other matters in accordance with needs and priorities of the organization.

Required Background And Skills

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.Licensed attorney in good standing with the Texas Bar.At least 5 years, and preferably between 5 and 10 years, of applicable professional experience. Both in-house and law firm experience a plus.Experience negotiating and handling a wide variety of commercial contracting/transactional work.Practical, business-oriented approach to work and problem solving while appreciating the need for proper legal execution and compliance.Excellent issue identification, analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent drafting and negotiating skills.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.Developed ability to effectively and professionally communicate, influence and facilitate both inside and outside the organization, including with vendors.Ability to convey legal concepts clearly and concisely to non-legal audiences and effectively advise commercial counterparts regarding a variety contract-related matters.Detail-oriented, resourceful, and able to successfully work independently (with minimal supervision) and in cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams.Ability to work under pressure and prioritize and manage a significant workload in order to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.Positive, collaborative, collegial attitude.Desire to learn the business and function effectively in a team environment.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.