Compensation Overview

Work with a growing strategy and business development team that is focused on building the customer base for South 8’s novel Liquefied Gas Electrolyte (LiGas). Help us assess the market for our battery technology, identify the most promising customers, and develop strategies to engage with them. Manage customer interactions and collect feedback that is essential as we enhance LiGas and develop additional products. This role will also require some project management and reporting duties for various customer and government programs.

DESCRIPTION

Become a critical member of our fast-growing team working to deploy a breakthrough battery technology to change the way batteries are made and used worldwide to advance a clean energy future. In this position, you will be a key part of our business development and strategy team, at the forefront of understanding market needs and cultivating customer relationships for our next-generation battery chemistry and advanced battery cells.

We are looking for a self-motivated Strategy Manager, with strong analytical experience and an ability to understand customers’ needs to join our team. Our company is based in the Bay Park area of San Diego, CA, but this position can be remote. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the lithium-ion battery industry and with one of South 8’s target customer segments: defense, aerospace, stationary energy storage, and automotive. This role will work closely with our Vice President of Strategy and Vice President of Product to ensure we are engaging the right customers, clearly communicating about our LiGas product, and carefully assessing the customer’s business and product needs. The role also will involve extensive customer interaction, including managing initial customer briefings, requirements collection activities, and ongoing meetings with active LiGas users. This is an exciting, dynamic work environment with several parallel projects with various timelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzing the global lithium-ion battery market and assessing customer segments
• Researching customers’ business operations to identify opportunities with new and existing customers
• Analyzing customer behavior, including product requirements, buying patterns and procurement processes
• Assessing customer organizations, including identifying key decisionmakers
• Preparing presentations, white papers, and other materials that inform customers about South 8 and its products
• Identifying competitors and analyzing competitors’ organizations and product offerings
• Implementing efficient customer communication and feedback channels
• Identifying industry meetings, conferences, trade shows, and other events where target customers are present
• Writing proposals that are tailored to customer needs
• Supporting negotiation of sampling agreements and joint development agreements that promote strong customer relationships
• Evaluating and improving the business development process
• Delivering epic High Fives, and other tasks deemed necessary by the company

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or similar; Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) preferred
• Knowledge of the lithium ion battery industry is highly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in market analysis, customer analysis or business development
• Experience in identifying profitable business opportunities and potential clients
• Ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships
• Familiarity with target customer segments (defense, stationary energy storage, and automotive) 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and succeed in an environment with competing demands
• An aptitude for learning new things and a keen eye for improving processes

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $110,000-$140,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

ABOUT SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES

South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing and well-funded group backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a breakthrough new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries. Our patented technology enables a substantial increase in energy, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operating temperature. Leveraging conventional materials and manufacturing, South 8 Technologies offers a unique solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

South 8 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. We are a diverse team, which values integrity and hard work in an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration, and honest feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we transform the energy landscape.