Head of Business Development

PLEASE NOTE: This role is targeted for commencement in January 2026.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is open to candidates located outside of Australia and is available as a 100% remote position.

About Us:

Kite Magnetics, founded in 2022 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is an advanced materials engineering and manufacturing company. Our innovative and patented technology, Aeroperm, a nanocrystalline magnetic material developed at Monash University, delivers unparalleled efficiency in electric motors and generators. Designed for weight-sensitive and energy-intensive applications, Aeroperm significantly reduces the total cost of ownership while enhancing system performance. As industry leaders, we are committed to transforming global energy efficiency through cutting-edge materials science.

Position Overview:

The Head of Business Development is a hands-on, senior commercial leader responsible for taking Kite Magnetics' automotive opportunities from interest to signed supply agreements. Your immediate focus is deepening executive, commercial and technical relationships with current automotive OEM and Tier-1 counterparts, progressing live programs through evaluation, prototype supply, RFQ and nomination, and shaping our first long-term supply agreements for Aeroperm stator-core products. You will work directly with the CEO and Chief of Staff on deal strategy and approvals, coordinate closely with engineering and quality to align commercial commitments with APQP/PPAP readiness, and maintain crisp, stage-based forecasting in HubSpot. You will also support selective top-of-funnel sourcing for priority targets, with limited support to defence and other non-automotive markets. The role is a player-coach: after the first year you will recruit two business development managers (one automotive, one cross-sector) and establish the operating rhythm for a small, high-performing BD team. Regular international travel is required, with Europe and North America as the initial focus. First supply agreements will be negotiated collaboratively and approved at board level.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia

Key Responsibilities:

• Own senior relationships at priority OEM and Tier-1 accounts: maintain account plans, sponsor maps, and a structured communications cadence across executive, commercial, and technical stakeholders.

• Drive deals to completion: lead NDAs/MoUs/JDAs, guide RFQs and commercial terms, and bring forward well-structured supply agreements that protect IP and reflect program realities.

• Keep the pipeline real: update HubSpot within two business days, maintain stage definitions from evaluation to nomination, and provide accurate, board-ready forecasts (volumes, SOP dates, pricing frameworks, risks/next actions).

• Align commercial with delivery: coordinate with engineering and quality on validation plans, prototype schedules, APQP/PPAP expectations; ensure specification control, traceability, and change control are captured in contracts.

• Create customer-facing materials: develop concise decks, one-pagers, datasheets, case studies, FAQs, and tradeshow/website copy; secure engineering/quality sign-off; maintain a version-controlled collateral library; tailor content for key accounts.

• Lead market research and competitive assessment: refresh TAM/SAM views, track competitor offerings, SWOT and positioning, benchmark pricing and terms, run win/loss reviews and customer-voice interviews; deliver quarterly insight briefs that inform pricing, messaging, and roadmap.

• Navigate channels wisely: sell direct to vertically integrated OEMs; where OEMs source externally, coordinate with the OEM and relevant Tier-1s to avoid channel conflict and preserve value.

• Safeguard compliance: conduct sanctions screening and export-sanctions diligence for accounts and shipments; escalate edge cases promptly.

• Build the team: at month 12, recruit and onboard two business development managers (automotive and cross-sector); install operating mechanisms (weekly pipeline, quarterly account reviews, playbooks, templates) and coach to consistent execution.

• Represent Kite Magnetics at priority industry events and customer sites; manage a lean commercial budget for travel, shows, and contracting support.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or a related field.
• A master's degree, MBA, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Experience:

• Significant experience in automotive commercial roles with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.

• Demonstrated success negotiating long-term supply agreements for engineered components or materials.

• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, RFQ processes, sourcing gates, and program phases from concept through DV, PV and start of production.

• Excellent relationship building, communication and negotiation skills with senior customer stakeholders.

• Proficiency with HubSpot and disciplined sales operations practices. Experience integrating into an ERP is valued.

• Existing network within automotive procurement and engineering is valued.

Working arrangements

• Global role available as 100% remote.

• 30-day onboarding to be undertaken full-time in person in Melbourne, Australia.

• Flexible hours to support international calls.

• Regular international travel is required, with Europe and North America as the initial focus.

• Base salary of AUD 250,000 plus superannuation.

• Employee Share Option Plan.

• Performance-based bonus tied to the success measures above.

• Relocation support available for exceptional candidates.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Kite Magnetics is an equal-opportunity and equal-outcome employer. We celebrate you and the diversity you bring and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, suppliers, and customers.