Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Sr. Director, Strategy and Business Development? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!
Responsibilities
Sr. Director, Strategy and Business Development
Summary: Panasonic's Mobility Energy Business is at the forefront of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle battery industry. As we scale our operations internationally and pursue ambitious growth objectives, we are establishing a dedicated Business Development Center to chart our future course, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and forge critical partnerships across the electric vehicle ecosystem.
We are seeking an entrepreneurial and execution-oriented leader to build this function from the ground up and play a pivotal role in shaping our competitive advantage and market leadership. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of transportation, working closely with our executive team to define and implement our strategic roadmap in this dynamic sector.
Position Summary
Essential Duties:
Center Leadership and Development
- Following the overall mission for Panasonic’s global electric vehicle battery business, analyze, develop, and provide leadership for long-term strategic roadmap and business plan for adjacent market & customer focus, product & service development, and market entry & penetration that enlarges Panasonic’s footprint as a global leader of energy storage technologies.
- Establish and lead the Business Development Center under the Global Strategy Office, defining its specific focus areas within the electric vehicle battery landscape, organizational structure, and operational processes
- Recruit, mentor and develop a high performing team with expertise relevant to the electric vehicle battery industry (e.g. market analysis, technology trends, supply chain dynamics, regulatory landscape).
- Manage the center's budget and allocate resources strategically to achieve key objectives.
Strategic Planning and Market Analysis
- Lead the development and execution of business division's long-term strategic plan within the context of the electric vehicle battery market, in close collaboration with executive leadership.
- Conduct deep-dive market research and analysis specific to the North American electric vehicle battery industry, including demand forecasting, technology benchmarking (.e.g cell chemistries, form factors), cost analysis, and customer/competitor/supplier intelligence.
- Monitor and analyze key industry trends, such as advancements in battery technology, raw material availability and pricing, and evolving North American regulatory frameworks (e.g. tax credits, incentives, environmental mandates).
- Develop and evaluate strategic initiatives related to product development, manufacturing efficiency, supply chain optimization, and new market entry within the electric vehicle battery sector.
- Facilitate strategic planning sessions and workshops involving cross-functional teams to align on strategic priorities and execution plans.
Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
- Identify, evaluate and pursue new business opportunities across the North American electric vehicle battery value chain, including potential partnerships with OEMs, raw material suppliers, recycling companies, and technology partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders in the North American electric vehicle battery ecosystem, including industry associations, research institutions, and potential investors.
- Support and lead portions of negotiation and execution of strategic agreements, joint ventures, and collaborations relevant to the North American electric vehicle battery business.
- Develop and implement strategies to drive revenue growth through new product lines, applications, and market segments within the broader electrification landscape.
- Customer and supplier partner diligence.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Lead cross-department initiatives to analyze and prepare strategic market entry and penetration plans for cylindrical battery technology and manufacturing to use for building profitable businesses with distinctive products, services and solutions including product roadmaps and capital financial plans with cross department support.
- Work closely with internal teams such as R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure strategic alignment and effective execution of initiatives.
- Provide strategic insights and guidance on North American market trends, competitive dynamics, and technological advancements to inform product development roadmaps and operational decisions.
- Foster a culture of strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration focused on capitalization on opportunities within the North American electric vehicle battery market.
Reporting and Performance Monitoring
- Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) , such as market share, cost competitiveness, technology adoption rates, and partnership success.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior leadership on strategic performance, market opportunities, and competitive threats within the North American EV battery sector.
- Analyze performance data and recommend adjustments to strategies and plans to optimize outcomes in the North American electric vehicle battery market.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
Qualifications
Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Essential Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive experience in strategy development, business development, management consulting, or related role within the battery industry or closely related sector (e.g. automotive or energy storage). A proven track record of success in this specific domain is critical.
- 7+ years of experience in a leadership position. Demonstrated experience in building and leading cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams, preferably in a high growth startup environment and large corporate environment a plus.
- Deep understanding of battery technology, manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics (including raw materials), and market trends.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical and market data and develop clear actionable strategies.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical and strategic concepts to diverse audiences, including technical experts and business leaders.
- Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and execute new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Customer and supplier negotiation experience highly desired.
- Strong understanding of the competitive landscape, key players, and emerging technologies within the battery market.
- Financial acumen and experience with financial modeling and analysis (e.g. cost projections, investment analysis).
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively within rapidly evolving sectors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluent spoken and written Japanese.
- Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!
Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
We Take Opportunity Seriously
At Panasonic, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.
The wage range of $180,000 - $200,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives. *The minimum hourly wage for this role will be the greater of the posted range, or minimum wage for the location where the employee will be working, subject to local minimum wage requirements.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
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