Our client is a leading organization investing in next-generation Lithium-Ion Cell manufacturing and battery technology.

We are looking for a senior technology leader to define and execute the organization's technology vision and strategy for Lithium-Ion Cell manufacturing. The role will lead research & development, product innovation, manufacturing technology, process engineering, quality excellence and technology commercialization.

This is a strategic technology leadership position with strong hands-on involvement in the commissioning, stabilization and ramp-up of a next-generation Lithium-Ion Cell pilot line, with responsibility for taking technologies from laboratory innovation through industrial application and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology Leadership

Develop and execute the organization's battery technology roadmap.

Align technology initiatives with business objectives.

Lead innovation programs and strategic technology partnerships.

Advise executive leadership on emerging battery technologies.

Cell R&D & Product Development

Lead development of advanced Lithium-Ion cell chemistries.

Oversee:

Cell Chemistry Development

Electrode Engineering

Electrochemistry

Cell Design

Product Development

Lead pilot production and technology validation, including Sample A, B and C development, execution strategy and cell qualification.

Build intellectual property and patent portfolios.

Strong technical knowledge across LFP, NMC, NCA and LMFP cell technologies.

Exposure to emerging technologies including Sodium-Ion, Solid-State, Lithium-Sulfur, Lithium-Metal and Silicon-Anode technologies.

Drive R&D programs with clear deliverables including patents, publications and product development.

Increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of laboratory-scale technologies and facilitate technology transfer.

Develop national and international R&D collaborations for product and process development and joint IP creation.

Manufacturing Technology & Industrialization

Lead technology selection for battery manufacturing equipment.

Optimize electrode manufacturing and cell assembly processes.

Improve production yield, efficiency and automation.

Hands-on expertise across Coin, Pouch, Cylindrical, Prismatic and Blade cells.

Experience taking cell technology from pilot line through Giga-factory scale-up, including cell testing, validation, technology transfer and commercialization.

Strong end-to-end process understanding covering:

Raw Material Qualification - Slurry Mixing - Electrode Coating & Drying - Calendaring - Slitting - Notching - Stacking/Winding - Cell Assembly - Ultrasonic & Laser Welding - Electrolyte Filling - Formation & Aging

Proficiency in high-volume GWh manufacturing and Yield/OEE improvement.

Working knowledge of SPC, MES, SCADA, Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA, 8D, DMAIC and RCA.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards.

Establish robust product validation and reliability programs.

Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Leadership

Build and mentor high-performing engineering and R&D teams.

Foster a culture of innovation, safety and continuous improvement.

Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales and Finance teams.

Ideal Background

PhD from a reputed national or international institute in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Battery Technology or related discipline.

10-15 years of relevant Post-Doctoral, academic, research institute or industrial R&D experience in battery chemistry and cell technology.

Strong expertise across cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator and electrode chemistry.

Experience working within global battery ecosystems such as China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, USA or Europe.

Experience with Giga-factories, cell technology companies, automotive OEMs, national laboratories or leading research organizations.

Publications, patents and experience preparing R&D proposals will be highly valued.

Key Leadership Competencies

Strategic Thinking

Technology Leadership

Innovation

Decision Making & Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Team Building

Change Management

Business Acumen

Key Stakeholder Interface

The role will work closely with senior leadership, project and PMO teams, operations and industrialization, sales and marketing, HR, quality and EHS, supply chain and localization teams.

Externally, the role will engage with technology partners, consultants, equipment vendors, raw-material suppliers, testing agencies, automotive OEMs, customers, research institutes, universities, government agencies, funding bodies, investors, strategic partners and IP/patent advisors.