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
TaiSan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment that fosters collaboration and growth. As a Business Development Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions while working alongside industry leaders in a fast-paced deep-tech startup atmosphere. With a strong emphasis on employee development, strategic partnerships, and meaningful contributions to climate-tech innovation, TaiSan provides unique opportunities for professional advancement and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the battery, chemical, and automotive sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or partners, make sure to highlight your experience in business development and your understanding of the technical aspects of sodium batteries. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can bridge the gap between tech and commercial needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies that align with your goals and reach out directly. Express your interest in collaborating and how you can add value to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the battery innovation space. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in business development, partnerships, and any relevant industry knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at TaiSan!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the battery and automotive sectors. Share specific examples of how you've built strategic partnerships or managed supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Understanding:Since this role involves translating technical concepts into commercial value, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the sodium-ion battery ecosystem. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between tech and business!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at TaiSan
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of sodium batteries and polymer electrolyte systems. Brush up on the latest trends in the battery and automotive industries, as well as TaiSan's specific technologies. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role involves building strategic partnerships, be ready to discuss your existing connections within the battery manufacturing and automotive sectors. Highlight any previous collaborations or successful negotiations you've led, as this will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive into technical-commercial discussions during the interview. Be prepared to translate complex technical concepts into commercial value propositions. Practise explaining how you've done this in past roles, as it will show your ability to bridge the gap between R&D and business development.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity
TaiSan is looking for someone who is proactive and relationship-driven. Share examples of how you've taken the initiative in previous roles to build partnerships or drive projects forward. This will illustrate your motivation and fit for a fast-paced startup environment.
