Business Development Manager, Consumer Technology

About the role

Redwood Materials is seeking a dedicated Business Development Manager to focus on the consumer technology sector. This position is in developing partnerships with manufacturers of consumer electronics and devices, aimed at enhancing the sourcing and recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries. Your contributions will significantly support our mission to create sustainable battery materials while ensuring the safe collection and processing of batteries that have reached the end of their life cycle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build and maintain strong relationships with companies in the consumer technology space and device manufacturers to establish partnerships for the collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
• Serve as the primary liaison for consumer technology partnerships, managing accounts from initial contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Oversee the product qualification process to ensure that technical specifications for battery recycling are satisfied, while effectively communicating timelines and expectations to all stakeholders involved.
• Ensure the organization meets its strategic objectives by managing a diverse array of consumer technology partnerships and optimizing the sourcing of battery materials.
• Evaluate customer product roadmaps and sustainability goals to align Redwood's capabilities with market needs and identify potential growth avenues.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the customer value chain and negotiate contracts that encompass volume, pricing, and other critical terms.
• Direct business development and operational efforts for Redwood's Battery Bin initiative, which includes outreach to potential partners and planning for program expansion.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective Battery Bin hosts, such as retail outlets and local governments, managing the entire launch process from qualification to ongoing support.
• Develop partnership models and documentation for Battery Bin deployments, including various funding options and necessary supporting materials.
• Track and report on the effectiveness of consumer device partnerships and Battery Bin locations, leveraging data to refine targeting strategies and enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with various internal teams to ensure that partnerships and collection programs are compliant and sustainable.
• Be willing to travel up to 25% for meetings, site assessments, and program launches.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, sustainability, engineering, or a related discipline is required. A technical background is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in sales, business development, or technical sales is essential.
• Prior experience in the consumer electronics or lithium-ion battery industry is strongly preferred, particularly with companies involved in the manufacturing or sale of consumer devices.
• A solid understanding of product lifecycles, sustainability initiatives, and circular economy practices within the consumer electronics sector is necessary.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and scaling partner or channel programs is crucial.
• Proficiency in English is required for effective global communication and account management.
• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities are essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to build and maintain positive relationships with clients, even in challenging circumstances.
• A data-driven mindset with experience in monitoring KPIs and utilizing insights to shape strategic decisions is important.
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive approach and resilience is highly valued.
• A passion for solving complex problems and a genuine interest in sustainability are essential traits for this role.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with emerging technologies in the battery recycling space.
• Experience working with government agencies or non-profits focused on sustainability.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks related to battery disposal and recycling.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in CRM software and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with project management software and collaboration tools.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.

Practical notes

This position is full-time and offers a competitive salary based on experience. Candidates should be prepared for a remote working environment and the flexibility to travel as needed for business engagements.