Materials Business Unit Head
About Us:
SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) is dedicated to accelerating the world’s energy transition through groundbreaking material discovery and advanced battery management. We are at the forefront of revolutionizing battery creation, pioneering the integration of cutting-edge machine learning into our research and development. Our AI-enhanced, high-energy-density and high-power-density Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries are unique; they are the first in the world to utilize electrolyte materials discovered by AI. This powerful combination of "AI for science" and material engineering enables batteries that can be used across various applications, including transportation (land and air), energy storage, robotics, and drones.
To learn more about us, please visit: www.ses.ai
What We Offer:
- A highly competitive salary and robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and an attractive equity/stock options program within our NYSE-listed company.
- The opportunity to contribute directly to a meaningful scientific project—accelerating the global energy transition—with a clear and broad public impact.
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment at the intersection of AI and material science, driving the next generation of battery technology.
- Significant opportunities for professional growth and career development as you work alongside leading experts in AI, R&D, and engineering.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies are used to discover and deploy AI-enhanced battery solutions.
What we Need:
We are seeking an exceptional Leader to head SES's global Materials BU, owning strategy, P&L, customer development, product direction, and cross-functional execution across the U.S., Asia, and EU. This role combines business development, product/market leadership, and technical fluency in next-generation battery materials, with responsibility for scaling commercial electrolyte and materials programs that support our ESS and Drone platforms. We are seeking a hands-on, first-principles operator with deep experience in the chemical, materials, or electrolyte ecosystem - preferably with strong Japan/Korea industry networks - and the ability to drive both commercial and technical outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Own all Sales and Business Development for Materials BU, including revenue, gross margin, cost structure, and annual operating plan.
- Develop and execute a 1-3 year strategy covering markets, partners, product priorities, and capacity needs.
- Build annual/quarterly plans with Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.
Market Development & Customer Expansion (US/EU focus):
- Lead go-to-market strategy for electrolyte and key battery materials, driving growth with enterprise OEM, Tier-1, and chemical supplier customers.
- Expand commercial relationships across Japan and Korea, leveraging existing networks and establishing new strategic partnerships.
- Develop, negotiate, and close major supply, co-development, and licensing agreements.
Product & Portfolio Leadership (Materials + AI):
- Translate customer requirements into a prioritized materials R&D roadmap that supports SES's ESS and Drone cells.
- Guide R&D and external partners to improve time-to-qualification and yield.
Commercial Excellence:
- Establish pricing, packaging, commercial models, and contracting frameworks.
- Create disciplined pipeline management and forecasting processes.
- Partner with engineering and R&D to streamline technical-to-commercial handoffs.
Operations, Quality & JV Management:
- Collaborate with Operations, QA, and EHS across global facilities.
- Oversee JV performance, governance, budgets, and KPIs.
- Align S&OP, capacity, supply chain, and materials flow with BU revenue goals.
Cross-BU Integration:
- Synchronize Materials BU output with ESS and Drone program milestones.
- Ensure materials qualification aligns with testing timelines.
Team Leadership & Culture:
- Build and lead a high-leverage hybrid team.
- Recruit talent with strong KR/JP chemical/electrolyte industry experience.
- Foster a culture of energy, humility, learning, and first-principles thinking.
External Engagement & Industry Presence:
- Represent SES at conferences and trade shows.
- Develop external messaging, positioning, and collateral.
Education and/or Experience:
- 10-20+ years in materials, chemicals, battery supply chain, electrolytes, or adjacent industries.
- Strong BD and deal-making track record with OEMs, Tier-1s, or chemical companies.
- Experience in Japan/Korea markets.
- Demonstrated P&L ownership.
- Hands-on, first-principles thinker with customer and factory-floor experience.
- Product/tech-driven environment experience.
- Excellent English; Japanese or Korean a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong Japan/Korea industry networks in the chemical/electrolyte ecosystem.
- Experience negotiating and closing major supply, co-development, and licensing agreements for electrolyte and battery materials.
- Experience operating globally across the U.S., Asia, and the EU, including JV governance and performance management.