At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and customer relationships in the battery and automotive sectors.
- Company: Join TaiSan, a pioneering startup in next-generation battery technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup culture with a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in climate-tech innovation and shape the future of energy storage.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business development with strong industry connections.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
TaiSan is developing next‑generation polymer electrolyte systems to enable Sodium Batteries 2.0 — delivering higher energy density, improved safety, and scalable manufacturing pathways. We are seeking a Business Development Manager to lead strategic partnerships, supplier engagement, and customer relationships across the chemical, battery, and automotive ecosystems. This role will be central to translating TaiSan’s R&D progress into commercial traction. You will work closely with the CEO and technical leadership to build strategic alliances, secure pilot opportunities, and position TaiSan within the global battery value chain. This is a high‑ownership role suited for someone comfortable operating in a fast‑moving deep‑tech startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Partnerships & Supplier Management
- Identify, evaluate, and engage raw material suppliers (polymers, salts, additives, solvents).
- Build long‑term strategic relationships with chemical manufacturers.
- Support negotiation of supply agreements, MOUs, and collaboration frameworks.
- Assess supplier scalability, cost structure, and reliability.
- Coordinate technical‑commercial alignment between suppliers and TaiSan’s R&D team.
- Customer Development (Battery & Automotive)
- Develop and manage relationships with battery manufacturers, cell producers, and automotive OEMs.
- Identify early adopters for pilot projects and joint validation programs.
- Lead commercial discussions from initial outreach to partnership structuring.
- Translate technical performance metrics into compelling commercial value propositions.
- Support customer due diligence processes and technical‑commercial documentation.
- Market Expansion & Ecosystem Positioning
- Map the sodium‑ion and next‑generation battery ecosystem.
- Identify high‑impact collaboration opportunities across the value chain.
- Monitor competitor positioning and partnership activity.
- Contribute to go‑to‑market strategy for Gen 1–3 systems.
- Support strategic entry into new geographies and verticals.
- Conferences, Representation & Networking
- Represent TaiSan at international battery, chemical, and automotive conferences.
- Proactively schedule meetings with potential partners and customers.
- Deliver high‑level commercial and strategic presentations.
- Build visibility within the battery innovation ecosystem.
- Capture structured insights and follow‑up actions post‑events.
- Commercial Strategy & Deal Structuring
- Develop partnership models (JDA, pilot programs, licensing, supply agreements).
- Support pricing strategy development.
- Contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline management.
- Maintain structured CRM tracking of leads and partnerships.
- Align commercial milestones with technical roadmap.
- Internal Cross‑Functional Alignment
- Work closely with R&D to align commercial discussions with technical feasibility.
- Translate customer feedback into structured internal insights.
- Support preparation of investor‑facing materials related to traction and partnerships.
- Provide structured reporting on BD pipeline and partner progress.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or commercial roles within chemicals, batteries, advanced materials, or automotive sectors.
- Strong network within at least one of the following industries: battery manufacturing, specialty chemicals, automotive OEMs.
- Demonstrated experience managing strategic partnerships or supplier relationships.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into commercial narratives.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Comfortable working in an early‑stage, high‑growth deep‑tech environment.
Preferred
- Experience in energy storage or next‑generation battery technologies.
- Familiarity with polymer materials or electrolyte systems.
- Experience structuring joint development agreements (JDAs).
- International business development exposure.
- Experience working with scaling manufacturing supply chains.
Success Profile
- Is proactive and relationship‑driven.
- Understands long‑cycle B2B industrial sales.
- Is comfortable navigating technical‑commercial discussions.
- Can operate strategically while executing tactically.
- Is motivated by building partnerships that accelerate climate‑tech innovation.
Impact
This role will directly influence TaiSan’s commercial trajectory by:
- Securing validation partners and pilot customers.
- Establishing robust supply chains.
- Positioning TaiSan within the global sodium‑ion ecosystem.
- Accelerating transition from R&D to commercialization.
Business Development Manager in Cambridge employer: TaiSan
At TaiSan, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and hands-on projects in cutting-edge battery technology. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a unique chance to contribute to sustainable energy solutions while enjoying a supportive environment that values creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Cambridge
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like TaiSan!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at TaiSan, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at TaiSan
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with TaiSan’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
