Director, Business Development
On-site • 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 Clean Energy Ventures, 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 startup.
We’re looking for a creative and hands-on leader with an entrepreneurial mindset who’s passionate about driving business growth while thinking outside the box. You’ll lead the development of strategic B2B partnerships and work with the CEO to create a data-driven business roadmap. This role involves building and analyzing market models and scenarios to help guide our decisions on future market opportunities. Your insights will be essential in identifying high-potential markets and partnerships that support our growth strategy.
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’ll also play a key role in promoting Aepnus’ breakthrough technology, building long-term customers who are excited to be early adopters of our full-scale commercial system as it hits the 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 grow Aepnus' B2B partnerships in the battery recycling, chemicals, and mining industries. Drive the commercialization of business strategies and identify new growth opportunities.
Lead customer interactions and contract negotiations as the primary point of contact. Ensure contracts align with company goals and create win-win agreements.
Develop market sizing models to support strategic decisions and forecast market opportunities. Offer data-driven recommendations that shape the company’s long-term vision.
Track performance metrics to spot areas for improvement. Implement strategies to boost revenue growth and align with broader business goals.
Align customer needs with engineering solutions, ensuring synergy between technical and commercial teams. Use customer insights to shape product development and deliver high-value solutions.
Develop market sizing models to support strategic decisions and forecast market opportunities. Offer data-driven recommendations that shape the company’s long-term vision.
Create and analyze business models and scenarios for different strategies. Provide evidence-based recommendations to guide the company in selecting optimal growth paths.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate engineering solutions into the business strategy. Ensure customer feedback and market demands are reflected in product development.
Foster a culture of excellence and teamwork by promoting innovation, collaboration, and a focus on quality across the organization.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
7+ years of experience in business leadership and technical sales, with a focus on initial deployments, preferably in the battery recycling, chemicals, or mining industries.
Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to build complex financial models and market forecasts to support data-driven business decisions.
Advanced proficiency in Excel, including experience with advanced functions, financial modeling, and data analysis
Strong technical background in chemical engineering and related fields.
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.
Established network within the battery recycling, chemicals, and mining ecosystems.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package, including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, such as:
100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
Flexible vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December
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.