Senior Manager Strategic Planning

Hithium is committed to advancing energy storage solutions (ESS) and expanding our presence in the United States. Our focus includes building cutting-edge factories, establishing R&D centers, optimizing production lines, and securing financing to drive innovation and growth.

Job Description:

The Strategic Planning Manager will support Hithium’s U.S. expansion by managing critical aspects of project development, governmental relations, and financing strategies. The role requires hands-on leadership in the planning, designing, and constructing new production lines for energy storage systems (ESS). This manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, particularly with the equipment department at HQ, to ensure optimal equipment selection, delivery, and installation. The Strategic Planning Manager will also maintain budget and timeline adherence while continuously seeking optimization opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments and jurisdictions to enhance Hithium's image and facilitate the development of our U.S. ventures.
• Lead negotiations with state and local governments for tax incentives, grants, and other financing options to support company expansion.
• Oversee production lines' planning, design, and construction, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Collaborate with the equipment department at HQ to coordinate equipment selection, financing, and delivery.
• Spearhead initiatives to identify optimal locations for R&D centers, factories, and operations, based on business goals and available incentives.
• Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers, overseeing contract management and ensuring timely delivery and installation of machinery.
• Provide financial oversight, ensuring all project elements align with budgetary constraints and strategic financial objectives.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including local and state governments, financial institutions, and equipment suppliers.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure seamless integration between design, engineering, procurement, and construction phases.
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate across departments and teams.
• MBA or equivalent business training focused on business development, strategic planning, or operations.
• Proven experience in business development, particularly in managing innovation pipelines, market research, and identifying growth opportunities.
• Advanced degree in Science (e.g., Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, MEP Engineering) with a solid technical problem-solving and innovation foundation.
• Extensive project management experience, including coordinating complex, cross-functional projects involving global teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead R&D and production line projects from concept to completion.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials are a plus.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and experience in optimizing production processes for efficiency.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in industries related to advanced manufacturing and R&D.
• Previous involvement in large-scale projects and capital investments.
• Experience negotiating government agreements and securing financing options for large-scale industrial projects.
• Proven ability to work with international teams and effectively navigate cross-cultural dynamics.

Additional Skills:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage complex budgets and develop financing strategies.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin is preferred to ensure seamless communication with HQ in China.