Senior Program Manager / Strategic Account Manager

South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing, well-funded battery company backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a groundbreaking new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries. Our proprietary technology enables a significant increase in energy density, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operational temperature range. By leveraging conventional materials and established manufacturing processes, South 8 Technologies offers a unique, scalable solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

Founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, South 8 Technologies is a diverse and dynamic team that values integrity, innovation, and hard work in an environment that encourages creative problem-solving, collaboration, and constructive feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we redefine the energy landscape. This position is based at our headquarters in the Bay Park area of San Diego, CA.

Position Overview

South 8 Technologies is seeking a Senior Program Manager / Strategic Account Manager with a strong background in program or customer management and a deep understanding of the battery space. This individual will manage high-profile accounts and programs, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery of South 8’s battery technology solutions to key customers in both commercial and defense sectors.

The ideal candidate will have a unique blend of technical knowledge in energy storage, strong business acumen, and the ability to manage complex programs and strategic relationships. You will play a key role in the successful execution of customer programs, ensuring alignment between client needs, technical capabilities, and project timelines. You will also be responsible for cultivating long-term relationships with high-value customers, including defense agencies and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-profile customer accounts, focusing on delivering tailored battery solutions to meet their specific needs and program requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, and R&D) to ensure the successful delivery of customer projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic defense and commercial accounts, providing excellent customer service and technical support throughout the lifecycle of the program.
• Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for customer programs to ensure all milestones and deliverables are met.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with decision-makers at key defense contractors, OEMs, and other strategic partners.
• Work closely with the sales and business development teams to identify new opportunities within key accounts and expand South 8’s presence in the defense sector and other industries.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to customers based on a thorough understanding of their needs and South 8’s technological capabilities.
• Monitor industry trends and customer feedback to inform the development of new products and solutions that can enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
• Lead regular program reviews and status meetings with customers, internal teams, and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and addressing any challenges proactively.
• Support contract negotiations and ensure alignment between customer expectations and South8’s capabilities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Materials Science, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification is a plus.
• Experience: 7-10 years of experience in program management or customer management, with a focus on the battery industry, energy storage solutions, or related fields.
• Significant experience working with defense customers, contractors, or government agencies, ideally in a technical or engineering-focused role.
• Strong understanding of the battery space, including battery chemistry, manufacturing, applications, and market trends.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects and customer relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results. A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage senior-level relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams and driving results in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Ability to navigate complex government and defense contracting processes, including compliance, regulations, and technical specifications. Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is a plus.
• Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing demands effectively.

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $130,000 to $160,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.