Director, Business Development (North America)

Job description

We are searching for a business development leader who will spearhead BD and GTM initiatives in targeted mining regions, serving as the critical "door opener" for Stratum AI. This role focuses on leveraging industry connections to establish initial relationships with mining executives and corporate decision-makers, paving the way for our technical teams to demonstrate our solutions' value. You'll be responsible for navigating complex sales environments at the C-suite level while understanding the unique dynamics of the mining industry. This position is remote-first, but based in North America. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Identify and pursue high-value mining clients within assigned regions, focusing on opening doors at the corporate/executive level - Leverage your established mining industry network to create opportunities for Stratum AI - Develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in target mining companies, particularly at corporate offices - Establish Stratum AI's presence and credibility with mining executives who control budgetary decisions - Create strategic pathways to bypass traditional procurement routes through executive-level relationships REGIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT - Serve as Stratum AI's representative in strategically important mining regions - Identify and attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to expand Stratum's visibility - Develop deep understanding of regional mining industry dynamics, key players, and decision-makers - Build networks with high-level industry professionals in the assigned territory - Provide market intelligence on regional opportunities, competitor activities, and industry trends SALES STRATEGY - Work closely with executive leadership to develop and implement effective regional sales approaches - Navigate procurement obstacles through strategic relationship development - Coordinate with technical teams to align sales messaging with solution capabilities - Handle initial contract negotiations and commercial discussions - Facilitate handoffs to technical sales specialists for detailed solution discussions PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT - Contribute to building a robust sales pipeline through executive-level networking - Qualify opportunities based on potential value and alignment with Stratum's capabilities - Provide accurate forecasting information to support company planning - Track and report on regional market development activities and outcomes QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION - Extensive network and established relationships in the mining industry, particularly at executive levels - Proven track record opening doors and creating opportunities with mining executives - Experience navigating complex sales environments in the natural resources sector - Background in mining operations, resource management, or related fields - Bachelor's degree in relevant field (Business, Mining Engineering, Geology); advanced degree preferred KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS - Sophisticated understanding of mining industry dynamics, trends, and terminology - Strong commercial acumen with ability to identify high-value opportunities - Exceptional relationship-building capabilities at executive levels - Strategic negotiation skills for handling commercial discussions - Ability to communicate effectively with both business and technical stakeholders - Understanding of resource estimation and mining operations - Self-motivation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES - Charismatic presence with ability to build trust quickly with senior executives - Willingness to travel extensively within assigned regions - High level of cultural intelligence when operating in international contexts - Results-oriented mindset with focus on creating opportunities - Ethical approach to business development that aligns with Stratum's values - Comfortable in providing hospitality and conducting business in social settings PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - Number of new high-quality opportunities introduced to the pipeline - Relationships established with key mining executives - Conversion rate of initial meetings to technical discussions - Regional market penetration metrics - Overall contribution to company revenue growth This role represents a unique opportunity to leverage your mining industry connections and business development expertise to help Stratum AI expand its market presence and drive significant growth in the mining technology sector. ABOUT STRATUM We're Stratum, a mining software company with machine learning models as our core product. Our 3D maps predict how gold, silver, copper, etc. are distributed (and how much!) using only small amounts of data, unconventional data processing, and proprietary ML protocols. Our work directly affects how much money a mine is going to make next week/month/year while reducing waste/cost. We're supported by Founders Fund, Aramco, Builders VC, Y Combinator, and Ilya Sutskever, former Chief Scientist at OpenAI, who have recognized the potential of our industry-disrupting technology. Our long-term vision is to build a massive AI engine capable of making every decision in a mining operation, down to moving individual rocks. If you’re an exceptional engineer interested to helping make this vision a reality we look forward to reviewing your application and working together.