Business Development Manager - Japan
Cyclic Materials is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our fully integrated proprietary technology platform, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high-purity materials used to produce new permanent magnets. These magnets are critical to the modern economy, underpinning AI, automotive, e-mobility, electronics, semiconductor, energy, defense, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly become a category leader in rare earth recovery, achieving commercial operations in less than five years. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with further expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by investment accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling quickly and building the industrial backbone required to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable supply of rare earths.
We have established an extensive and growing network of commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the rapid deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real-world supply chains. Joining Cyclic Materials means tackling complex and exciting challenges at scale alongside a team committed to strong execution and measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.
Position Overview
Cyclic Materials is transforming the circular supply chain for rare earth elements and permanent magnets. As we continue to expand globally, we are seeking a highly strategic Business Development Manager Asia to establish and grow our commercial presence across Japan, South Korea, and other key Asian markets.
The successful candidate will develop strategic relationships across the rare earth and magnet value chain, secure feedstock supply agreements, establish offtake partnerships, negotiate commercial contracts, identify strategic investment opportunities, and provide market intelligence that supports long-term growth.
This is a highly visible role requiring a self-starter who is comfortable building a business from the ground up while representing Cyclic Materials with customers, suppliers, industry associations, and government stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Business Development
- Lead commercial business development activities across Japan, South Korea, and other strategic Asian markets.
- Develop and execute Cyclic Materials' regional commercial strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
- Identify and prioritize new business opportunities across the rare earth, magnet, recycling, automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors.
- Build a strong pipeline of strategic customers, suppliers, and commercial partners.
Feedstock Sourcing & Supply Development
- Identify, qualify, and secure new feedstock sources including:
- EOL products
- Rare earth-containing components
- Manufacturing scrap
- Magnet production scrap
- Electronic waste
- Build relationships with recyclers, dismantlers, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, scrap processors, industrial manufacturers, and waste management companies.
- Negotiate long-term feedstock supply agreements that ensure reliable volume, quality, and competitive pricing.
- Support supplier onboarding and relationship management.
Offtake & Commercial Partnerships
- Develop commercial relationships with:
- Magnet manufacturers
- Rare earth refiners
- Automotive OEMs
- Industrial manufacturers
- Clean technology companies
- Identify and negotiate offtake agreements for recycled rare earth products.
- Support development of long-term strategic supply partnerships throughout the value chain.
Strategic Account Management
- Manage key regional customer and supplier relationships.
- Serve as the primary commercial contact for Asian accounts.
- Develop account strategies focused on long-term value creation and partnership growth.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction while identifying opportunities to expand commercial relationships.
Commercial Negotiations
- Lead commercial negotiations for supply agreements, offtake contracts, strategic partnerships, NDAs, MOUs, and joint development agreements.
- Work closely with Legal, Finance, and Executive Leadership during contract negotiations.
- Develop commercial proposals, pricing strategies, and business cases.
- Ensure commercial agreements align with corporate objectives and risk management guidelines.
Market Development & Expansion
- Identify new market opportunities across Asia for recycled rare earth materials and permanent magnet’s materials.
- Evaluate opportunities to expand into additional Asian markets.
- Support market entry strategies for new products and services.
- Recommend strategic partnerships and regional growth initiatives.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor regional market developments including:
- Rare earth pricing
- Magnet manufacturing capacity
- Feedstock availability
- Competitive activity
- Government policy
- Trade regulations
- Critical minerals initiatives
- Provide regular market intelligence reports to executive leadership.
- Identify commercial risks and emerging opportunities.
- Share customer feedback and competitive insights to inform product development and strategy.
Industry Engagement
- Represent Cyclic Materials at industry conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and government forums throughout Asia.
- Build strong relationships with industry associations, government agencies, and research institutions.
- Position Cyclic Materials as a trusted leader in circular rare earth supply chains.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Science, Economics, or a related field.
- MBA is considered an asset.
- 7–10+ years of business development, commercial, procurement, or strategic sales experience in industrial B2B markets.
- Experience in one or more of the following industries is strongly preferred:
- Rare Earth Elements
- Permanent Magnets
- Metal Recycling
- Mining & Metals
- Critical Minerals
- Existing network within Japan's manufacturing, recycling, automotive, electronics, or magnet industries is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and long-term supply contracts.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains and commercial negotiations.
- Experience developing business in multiple Asian markets.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and build a regional business from the ground up.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout Asia (approximately 50%).
- Fluent in English and Japanese is required; Korean or another Asian language is considered an asset.
Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials
- At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
- We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP (Canada)/ 401K (USA) contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
- We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions
The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Cyclic Materials is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed. If you require accommodation at any stage of the interview process, please email HumanResources@cyclicmaterials.earth. Applicants for roles in Canada or the United States must be authorized to work in the applicable country without current or future sponsorship from Cyclic Materials, including for an H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa, or any other non-immigrant status.
To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.