Business Development Manager

Job description

Terra AI is building a new category at the intersection of artificial intelligence, geoscience, and critical resource development. As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge: traditional exploration methods remain slow, expensive, and highly uncertain. Terra AI was founded to help solve this problem by redefining how critical resources are discovered, evaluated, and developed. By combining advanced machine learning, probabilistic modeling, and deep geoscience expertise, Terra AI helps exploration and mining companies make faster, more informed subsurface decisions with greater confidence and capital efficiency. The company’s platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration risk. Backed by leading investors including Khosla Ventures and working alongside strategic industry partners including Rio Tinto, Ero Copper, and Ramaco Resources, Terra AI is emerging as one of the more closely watched AI-native companies operating within the mining and critical minerals sector. Terra AI’s mission is to define the new global standard for data-driven critical resource development — breaking the cost and time curve required to support electrification, energy security, and the global energy transition. The company operates with a strong partnership mentality, combining technical rigor, candid communication, continual learning, and environmental stewardship to help modern exploration teams solve some of the world’s most important resource challenges. Role Terra AI is hiring a Business Development Manager to help build the commercial engine behind the company’s next stage of growth. This is a highly collaborative and strategically important role focused on helping shape commercial strategy, build meaningful industry relationships, and support the development of scalable business development infrastructure. This role will help drive pipeline development, partnership strategy, and go-to-market initiatives while taking increasing leadership responsibility within a defined market segment over time. What You’ll Do - Build and develop Terra AI’s commercial presence across the mineral exploration ecosystem - Identify, prioritize, and engage high-value exploration companies, operators, and strategic partners - Develop trusted relationships with technical leaders, executives, investors, and commercial stakeholders - Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of partnership opportunities across a defined market segment - Partner with the Head of Growth to help develop commercial strategy, market segmentation, and partnership priorities - Help establish and refine business development KPIs, reporting cadence, and funnel discipline - Translate market conversations into structured commercial insights that inform product and go-to-market strategy - Represent Terra AI at conferences, technical forums, and industry events Required Qualifications - Significant experience in business development, partnerships, commercial strategy, or related market-facing roles - Strong commercial judgment and ability to manage complex external relationships - Ability to help build structure, process, and accountability in evolving commercial environments - Experience supporting pipeline development and measurable commercial initiatives - Strong communication and stakeholder management skills - Comfort navigating evolving priorities within technical environments and learning complex subject matter quickly - Willingness to travel regularly for conferences, site visits, and partner meetings Preferred Experience - Background in mining, mineral exploration, geology, or adjacent technical environments - Experience partnering with or operating within mining or natural resource markets - Exposure to technical software, data platforms, or AI-enabled products - Familiarity with capital markets, natural resources investing, or mining finance - Additional language skills (Spanish, Portuguese, or French) We recognize that exceptional candidates may come from a variety of commercial, technical, and industry backgrounds. If your experience aligns closely with the role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. Compensation $110,000 – $150,000 base salary + performance bonus + equity In accordance with California law, the above range reflects the reasonably expected base salary for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and market considerations. Terra AI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.