Director, Business Development
Hybrid • Up to 50% Travel • Oakland, CA, USA • Full-Time • $180,000 - $230,000 Annual Base Salary
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup, backed by top-tier climate venture capital firms, including Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that enable electrified, sustainable, and domestic production of critical materials.
Our initial mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, driving a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Aepnus is growing rapidly and is building a team of smart, driven, curious and passionate people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are motivated to create positive change.
What You’ll Do
As Aepnus’ Director of Business Development, you will report directly to the CEO and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our company. This is more than just a business development role; it’s an opportunity to be a key architect in building and growing an innovative, early-stage startup.
We are looking for a creative, hands-on leader who is not only passionate about driving business growth but also eager to innovate and think outside the box. You will work closely with the CEO to establish the business development function from the ground up, crafting and executing strategies that will attract and secure B2B partnerships with forward-thinking customers.
This role requires a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and the ability to roll up your sleeves to bring ideas to life. You will need to evangelize Aepnus’ cutting-edge technology and cultivate a strong network of visionary customers who are excited to become early adopters of Aepnus’ full-scale commercial system as it comes to market. If you thrive in an environment where creativity and innovation are valued, and you are eager to have a direct impact on the growth and success of a developing product, we want to hear from you.
The ideal candidate will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage and expand Aepnus' B2B partnerships, offering guidance and support in commercializing business strategies within the battery recycling, chemicals, and mining industries.
Represent Aepnus in customer interactions, leading commercial contract negotiations with professionalism and strategic insight.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers, understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions to meet their construction requirements.
Continuously monitor performance, analyze data, and implement strategies to maximize revenue growth.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of engineering solutions into the broader business strategy.
Work across the organization to align customer value drivers with engineering solutions and product development.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
7+ years of experience in business leadership and technical sales, with a focus on first deployments, preferably within the battery recycling, chemicals, and mining industries.
Strong technical background in electrochemical technologies and related fields.
Proven track record of generating revenue through process equipment sales.
Established network within the battery recycling, chemicals, and mining ecosystems.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to challenges.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Results-oriented, with a strong bias for action.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Hands-on leader and effective team player.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package, including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, such as:
401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
Unlimited vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December
100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
Why Aepnus?
At Aepnus, you'll be surrounded by smart, driven people tackling the biggest challenges. We offer:
A front-row seat at the forefront of climate tech. Work alongside our founding team and scientific advisors to scale up new technologies that will change the world and bring them to market.
Rapid growth and opportunity. We're expanding fast, and you'll have a chance to advance quickly whilst learning along the way. Help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future and you'll be rewarded with new responsibilities and career development.
Competitive pay and benefits. We value balance and know that happy, supported employees do their best work. Enjoy perks like equity, flexible vacation, health insurance, and more.
An exciting, fast-paced environment. Join our team and help build Aepnus from the ground up. Every day brings new challenges and rewards as we work to revolutionize the energy industry.
A culture of passion and possibility. Surround yourself with curious people motivated to create positive change.
Apply for this Job
To apply, please contact Stephanie Tan, Founder and Managing Partner at TAN Talent Group stephanie@tantalentgroup.com
Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Principles only.