📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Mobility Secure and Comfortable Ride
🔹 Company: Ascend Performance Materials
🔹 Location: Detroit, MI
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Chemical Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-12
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing strategy and content to enhance Ascend's specification footprint and brand recognition at targeted OEM and Tier 1 customers in the mobility sector.
- Collaborating with various commercial, technical, and manufacturing functions to drive growth in the mobility automotive market.
- Managing the stage gate process for new product development and leading cross-functional teams to execute go-to-market strategies.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers and industry associations.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and customer focus to succeed in the competitive mobility market.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Market mapping: Opportunity / Size / Landscape
✅ Needs mapping: Key Customer Needs and Un-met Needs
✅ Business Value-Proposition ($)
✅ Go-to-market strategy and Customer segmentation
✅ New Product Development stage gate leader
✅ Product positioning / pricing
✅ Develop networks @ validation customers and major OEMs
✅ Develop translation packages for regional teams
✅ Meet growth targets as defined in our LRP
✅ Align the business strategy and growth plans with the target OEM’s and Tier community
✅ Promotion :support coordination of trade shows /conferences
✅ Promotion: lead engagement with relevant industry associations
✅ Initiate and support strategic in-organic growth initiatives to accelerate growth
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, customer engagement, and project management to drive growth in the mobility market.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Engineering degree and MBA with strong focus on marketing and strategy
Experience: > 10 years of Automotive experience in commercial, engineering or program management with associated strong network
Required Skills:
- Experience in managing C-level relationships in the automotive industry
- Experience with Engineering Plastics PPS, LCP, PPA and PA
- Experience in Mobility Thermal Management and/or Powertrain Application areas
- Influencing and managing in a matrixed environment
- Public speaking as an expert in conferences
- Product / new technology introduction
- Go-to-market strategy formulation
- Leading / coaching / mentoring
- Marketing / Business strategy formulation
- Matrix management
- Successful new product launches
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish, German, French)
- Experience working with global teams
- Knowledge of the chemical industry and its regulations
ASSUMPTION: Given the global nature of the role and the need to engage with various stakeholders, experience working with diverse teams and knowledge of additional languages would be beneficial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior marketing role in the automotive sector with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- On-site Medical Clinics
- Global Wellness Rewards Program
- Employee-driven Recognition Plan
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior marketing role in the automotive sector with 10+ years of experience. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in the production of PA 6,6, operating in the chemical manufacturing industry.
Company Size: Ascend has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: Ascend was founded in 2009, with a history of growth and expansion in the chemical industry.
Company Description:
- Ascend is the world's largest fully integrated producer of nylon 66 resin.
- The company operates nine global locations, including five fully integrated manufacturing facilities in the southeastern United States and an engineering plastics compounding facility in Europe.
- Ascend's materials are used in everyday applications, from apparel to airbags, cable ties to circuit boards, and carpets to car parts.
Company Specialties:
- Chemical Manufacturing
- PA 66 plastics
- Nylon Manufacturing
- Fibers
- Engineered plastics
Company Website: http://www.ascendmaterials.com
ASSUMPTION: Ascend's size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and international exposure. The company's focus on innovation and safety provides a stable and growing work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting Structure: The Global Strategic Marketing Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Mobility and will work closely with various commercial, technical, and manufacturing functions.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Detroit, MI, with flexibility for remote work as needed for meetings and project collaboration.
Growth Opportunities:
- Ascend's global presence and diverse product portfolio offer opportunities for career growth and international assignments.
- The company's focus on innovation and new product development provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and technologies.
- Ascend's commitment to employee development and training offers opportunities to build new skills and advance one's career.
ASSUMPTION: Given Ascend's size and global presence, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ascend's Detroit office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): 1010 Travis Street, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77002, US (Headquarters); 2917 FM 2917 Rd., Alvin, TX 77511, US; 3000 Old Chemstrand Rd, Cantonment, FL 32533, US; 1050 Chemstrand Ave, Decatur, Alabama 35601, US; 518 S Bay St, Foley, Alabama 36535, US; 1515 Highway 246 S, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646, US; Rue Granbonpré 11 – Bâtiment H, Watson & Crick Hill Park, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Walloon Brabant B-1435, BE; Kapitein Hatterasstraat 52, Tilburg, North Brabant 5015, NL; 268 Xi Zang Road (M), Unit 3602, Raffles City Office Towers, Shanghai, Huangpu District 200001, CN; No. 230 Tian He Road, Room 3502, Building A, Guangzhou, Tainhe District 510000, CN
Geographic Context:
- Detroit, MI, is a major automotive hub, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals.
- The city offers a diverse cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues.
- Detroit has a four-season climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for meetings and project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: Ascend's Detroit office provides a modern, collaborative work environment, and the city's location in a major automotive hub offers unique networking and professional development opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition Team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final interview with the Vice President of Mobility
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Customer focus and relationship-building abilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and leadership skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Industry knowledge and market understanding
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant experience in the automotive industry and your track record of driving growth through strategic marketing initiatives.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to manage C-level relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and drive new product development.
ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Mobility, Automotive, Go-to-Market Strategy, New Product Development, Customer Segmentation, Market Mapping, Needs Mapping, Business Value-Proposition, Product Positioning, Pricing, Networking, Influencing, Matrix Management, Public Speaking, Problem Solving, People Leadership
ASSUMPTION: Ascend's interview process is designed to assess your strategic thinking, customer focus, and leadership skills, as well as your industry knowledge and market understanding.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Marketo, Google Analytics)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary based on the team's preferences and the company's standard software stack.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- We care: We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers, and our communities.
- Customer-focused: We exist for our customers; their success is our success.
- Better every day: We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day.
- Agile: We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry.
- One Ascend: All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future.
Work Style:
- Ascend values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a focus on teamwork and open communication.
- The company encourages innovation and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on learning and development.
- Ascend's culture is fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and achieving growth targets.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience managing C-level relationships in the automotive industry, and are you comfortable operating in a matrixed environment?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and do you thrive on driving results and achieving growth targets?
- Do you have experience leading cross-functional teams and driving new product development initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: Ascend's culture values collaboration, innovation, and a focus on driving results, with a strong emphasis on learning and development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The mobility market is highly competitive, with a constant need to innovate and adapt to changing customer needs and market trends.
- Ascend's global presence and diverse product portfolio may require managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities.
- The role may require extensive travel, both domestically and internationally, to engage with customers and industry partners.
- Ascend's focus on safety and sustainability may require additional attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols.
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges in this role are primarily related to the competitive and dynamic nature of the mobility market, as well as the need to manage multiple stakeholders and balance competing priorities in a global organization.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the mobility market and the need to drive growth through strategic marketing initiatives.
- Compared to other marketing roles in the automotive industry, this position requires a deeper understanding of the mobility market and its unique customer needs and un-met needs.
- Career paths in this role may lead to senior leadership positions in the mobility sector or to broader marketing and business development roles within Ascend.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the mobility market and the need to drive growth through strategic marketing initiatives, requiring a deep understanding of the market and its customer needs.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a go-to-market strategy for a new thermal management product, including market segmentation, customer targeting, and promotional content.
- Conducting a needs mapping analysis for a major OEM, identifying key customer needs and un-met needs in the mobility market.
- Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new product for the mobility market, including product positioning, pricing, and promotional content.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to illustrate the strategic marketing and project management aspects of the role, as well as the need to engage with customers and industry partners.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Ascend differentiate itself in the competitive mobility market, and what are the key growth opportunities for the company in this sector?
- What is the reporting structure for this role, and how does it collaborate with other commercial, technical, and manufacturing functions within Ascend?
- How does Ascend support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in the mobility sector?
- What are the key customer needs and un-met needs in the mobility market, and how does Ascend plan to address these opportunities through its product portfolio and go-to-market strategies?
- How does Ascend balance the need for innovation and growth with its commitment to safety and sustainability in its operations and products?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to assess the company's strategic vision for the mobility market, its commitment to employee development, and its approach to customer engagement and innovation.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in the automotive industry and your track record of driving growth through strategic marketing initiatives.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to manage C-level relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and drive new product development.
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition Team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
