Business Development Manager

Our client is the worlds leading producer of Niobium, a metal that belongs to the transition metals. When very pure, its soft, ductile, and highly resistant to corrosion. Niobium products are obtained from metallurgy processes and because it enhances properties and functionality, Niobium is used in a wide range of materials, such as alloy steel and oxides, and applications in sectors like mobility, energy, and construction. As the world transitions towards a greener future, the role of Niobium-enhanced nanocrystalline magnetic materials in applications like batteries, inverters/converters, on-board chargers, and charging stations becomes indispensable in driving innovation towards a more sustainable and electrified world. Niobium can contribute to the creation of more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, be it through the advancement of next-generation batteries, or the development of powerful nanocrystalline magnetic materials. Through its diverse roles in energy storage, conversion, and transfer, Niobium is assuming a pivotal role in advancing the generation of cleaner energy, bringing us closer to a carbon-neutral future. Due to expansion, they are seeking a Business Development Manager, Batteries Asia to develop, manage and maintain customer accounts for the company, with the focus in the global supply chain of the lithium-ion battery market. They seek a talented, motivated, and top performer professional to join the team in this role with experience in business development in a B2B environment.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, BATTERIES, ASIA

The Business Development Manager will assume a key role in developing, managing and maintaining customer accounts for the company, with the focus in the global supply chain of the lithium-ion battery market. The Business Development Manager will define and implement a commercial strategy with the goal to increase the growth of niobium products sales among selected OEM´s, battery cells, cathode and anode manufacturer accounts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support business development in its engagement efforts to develop new potential customers for niobium in the market of lithium-ion batteries
• Leverage and expand existing contact bases to develop new customers that could apply niobium compounds for lithium-ion batteries. This includes researching and engaging with organizations to develop additional leads for prospective customers, including but not limited to electric vehicle manufacturers, lithium-ion battery manufacturers, cathode and anode manufacturers, energy storage developers, electronic system integration manufacturers and material recyclers
• Manage existing customer accounts to maintain high degree of customer satisfaction and company´s business reputation and leadership
• Manage all necessary contract documentation including one-time service agreements, master service agreements, vendor setup documentation, and billing for specified accounts
• Develop forecast models for commodity demand of material components of the battery sector (e.g., Co, Li, Ni, Mn, Al, Cu, Zr, Mo, Ta, W). Build a strong knowledge base of technology and demand trends in the tech metals space to support the best commercial policy for niobium products in this market
• Assist the commercial and market intelligence team with contract pricing, assessing risk and exposure of the companys products products and tracking the global lithium-ion battery market and related upstream/downstream markets (cobalt, nickel, lithium, molybdenum, zirconium, tungsten, tantalum)
• Support additional Business Development work streams as needed
• Support Executive Manager and team in other work streams as required
• Market analysis, Strategy development and intelligence

Requirements:

• University Degree in Business, Economics or Engineering preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in business development and customer management
• 5-7 years of experience in the battery supply chain industry
• Desirable having substantial experience and hands-on skills in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries supply chain mainly related with core materials and metals for lithium-ion batteries including manufacturing steps.
• Good knowledge in cells manufacturing as slurry preparation, electrode deposition, drying, calendaring, slitting will be considered a plus
• Proven experience negotiating and closing supply agreements
• Knowledge of environmental legislation trends and impacts for the energy storage market desirable
• Excellent organizational, strategic, planning and implementing skills
• Excellent presentation and verbal communication skills
• Ability to assign and delegate work, problem solve, answer questions and evaluate results of performance
• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts
• Ability to follow through and complete overlapping projects
• Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal challenges or obstacles

Core Competencies:

• A hands-on leader with a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
• High-level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
• Proactive self-starter, entrepreneurial, with an 'owner's mindset'
• Consistently delivers quality work on time, with a strong attention to detail
• Strong analytical, negotiation and creative problem-solving skills
• Exceptional oral communication, writing and editing skills
• Motivated, methodical, and optimistic
• Demonstrated interest in cleantech, electric vehicles or renewable energy a plus

Language Skills:

• English mandatory
• Spanish and Portuguese to be considered a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent analytical ability
• Strong presentation skills
• Clear verbal communication
• Focused strategic planning
• Excellent social and cultural perception
• Team player
• Diplomatic
• Honest, open, and direct
• Self-motivated