Role Overview
We require an experienced Supply Account Manager to lead the development and management of strategic supplier relationships across the battery materials sector. This role is responsible for securing reliable sources of recyclable and end-of-life battery materials, managing commercial supplier accounts, negotiating long-term supply agreements, and ensuring a consistent pipeline of inbound material.
Working closely with operations, technical, logistics, and commercial teams, you will identify new supply opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, and help build a resilient supply network within the rapidly evolving battery and energy storage industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of supplier accounts, acting as the primary commercial contact from initial engagement through onboarding, contract execution, ongoing account management, and business growth.
- Identify, qualify, and develop new sources of battery materials from manufacturers, industrial companies, recyclers, energy storage providers, automotive organizations, and other participants across the battery value chain.
- Develop strategic account plans that identify growth opportunities, stakeholder relationships, commercial objectives, and supply targets.
- Negotiate commercial agreements covering pricing, material specifications, service requirements, quality expectations, and long-term supply arrangements.
- Maintain accurate sales pipeline, supply forecasts, commercial metrics, and account activity to support business planning.
- Build trusted relationships with suppliers and strategic partners to secure long-term access to battery materials and related feedstocks.
- Monitor market developments, pricing trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to identify new sourcing opportunities.
- Work closely with technical, operations, logistics, customer service, finance, and leadership teams to ensure successful supplier onboarding and ongoing account performance.
- Coordinate material qualification, documentation, transportation requirements, and regulatory compliance throughout the onboarding process.
- Lead supplier onboarding, resolve commercial and operational issues, and ensure a smooth transition into regular supply operations.
- Maintain comprehensive account records, stakeholder maps, commercial documentation, and opportunity tracking within CRM systems.
- Represent the company at customer meetings, supplier visits, and industry events as required.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline. An MBA or advanced degree is advantageous.
- Minimum of seven years' experience in account management, sourcing, procurement, supply development, business development, or commercial roles involving complex industrial supply chains.
- Experience within the battery industry, automotive, recycling, critical minerals, specialty chemicals, metals, or energy storage sectors.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with experience structuring and managing long-term supply agreements.
- Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence decision-makers at multiple organizational levels.
- Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of pricing strategies, supply and demand dynamics, margin management, and contract negotiation.
- Highly organized with excellent analytical, forecasting, and pipeline management capabilities.
- Experience working across cross-functional teams to deliver commercial and operational objectives.
- Willingness to travel domestically as required (approximately 50%).
Preferred Experience
- Experience sourcing battery materials, industrial by-products, critical minerals, metals, or recyclable materials.
- Knowledge of battery manufacturing, battery recycling, energy storage systems, or the broader electrification supply chain.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, commercial forecasting, and supplier performance management.
- Experience developing strategic sourcing initiatives and long-term supplier partnerships within technical or manufacturing industries.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Supplier Development
- Key Account Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Supply Chain Relationship Management
- Pipeline & Opportunity Management
- Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Commercial Planning & Forecasting
- Contract Management
- Business Development