Business Development Manager - Americas

Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains in North America and Europe. Vianode’s breakthrough solution enables tailored high-performance synthetic anode graphite and a holistic sustainability offering including a 90% reduction in CO2 footprint. The company is currently preparing to start its first full-scale plant at Herøya, Norway, before executing its multi-billion dollar phased investment program for large-scale plants in North America and Europe. The long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030. Vianode is owned by the world-leading industrial and financial companies Hydro and Altor.

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About the Position:

The Business Development Manager, Americas proactively identifies customer opportunities, develops them into meaningful business prospects, and fosters strong relationships. Passionate about electrification and sustainability, this role shapes the future of battery solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Achieve growth targets through identifying new customers opportunities and developing existing opportunities to an advanced stage
• Develop comprehensive Customer Account Strategy plans to drive profitable and sustainable growth, focusing on effective product launches, cost and program management, and comprehensive communications.
• Develop, maintain, and establish customer relationships, achieving profitable growth targets and managing day-to-day commercial activities and plant/product operation.
• Actively engage with core teams across regions to align on strategic objectives, operational goals, and company targets.
• Lead price negotiations with customers, ensuring consistency and satisfaction.
• Track and monitor raw material pricing and economic agreements, fostering cross-functional customer relationships.
• Handle inquiries or issues from customers and internal teams promptly and effectively.
• Present high-level information effectively to senior management and customers.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations as needed, domestically or internationally.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive sales experience, with a strong focus on OEM account management.
• Preferred experience in batteries or electrification.
• Direct experience with major automotive OEMs.
• Ability to articulate complex business case proposals and influence decision-making.
• Understanding of OEM manufacturing environments and ability to discuss product capabilities with OEM customer functions.
• Understanding of the business acquisition process and experience in negotiating and managing customer contracts and supply agreements to ensure mutually beneficial and compliant relationships.

Personal Skills:

• Organizational Agility: Proficient in multitasking and meeting deadlines.
• Effective Communication: Skilled at presenting and negotiating, with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Autonomous and Adaptable: Thrives in a startup environment, taking ownership and handling diverse tasks.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical skills for market trend analysis, understanding customer needs, and developing effective sales strategies aligned with company goals.

Location: This position is based in Detroit, Michigan.

At Vianode, we believe in “The power of we.” The Vianode way is collaboration on every level. Together, we unleash a force greater than the sum of each one of us, and we acknowledge every individual effort in our shared accomplishments.

You are a great fit for our team if you:

• Take charge and enjoy being part of a fast-growing, agile, pioneering company that depends on personal initiative, responsibility, and drive.
• Like to challenge the status quo by being courageous and committed.
• Want to keep learning, personally and professionally, and continuously pursue opportunities to develop and improve.

Why Join Vianode?

Join us on our mission to deliver the most efficient solutions to reduce battery industry emissions. Together, we're pioneering anode graphite technology for a carbon-neutral society, paving the way for the green transition and a more sustainable future.

Apply today !

Vianode is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We look forward to welcoming candidates who share our vision for a sustainable future.