VP of Strategy - Graphite

Here’s a polished, board-ready job description for a Vice President of Strategy

tailored to a

North American graphite company

(natural and/or synthetic, battery-grade focus). It’s written to suit a growth-stage or scaling industrial materials business supplying EV and energy storage markets.

Job Title

Vice President, Strategy

Location

North America (flexible; hybrid or remote with regular travel)

Reports To

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Role Overview

The Vice President of Strategy will lead corporate and commercial strategy for a North American graphite company operating across mining, processing, and/or advanced materials for battery and industrial markets. This role is responsible for defining and executing long-term growth strategy, supporting capital allocation and partnerships, and positioning the company as a strategic supplier within North American and allied supply chains.

The VP of Strategy will work closely with the executive team there a few key players for the offtake, we have the mine and processing capabilities. The company was formed by M&A with plans to go public this year.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate & Growth Strategy

- Develop and maintain the company’s long-term strategic plan, aligned with market demand for battery-grade graphite and critical materials.

- Evaluate growth opportunities across the value chain, including mining assets, processing, purification, coating, and recycling.

- Lead strategic prioritisation of projects, capital deployment, and portfolio optimisation.

Market, Policy & Competitive Intelligence

- Monitor global and North American graphite markets, including pricing, supply/demand dynamics, and competitive positioning.

- Track policy, trade, and regulatory developments (e.g. IRA, USMCA, Canadian critical minerals policy) and assess strategic implications.

- Provide clear, data-driven insights to the executive team and Board.

Commercial Strategy & Partnerships

- Support development of long-term offtake agreements with battery manufacturers, OEMs, and Tier 1 suppliers.

- Lead evaluation and structuring of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and alliances.

- Collaborate with commercial and technical teams to align product strategy with customer qualification and performance requirements.

M&A, Investments & Capital Strategy

- Identify, evaluate, and execute M&A, minority investments, and strategic transactions.

- Lead commercial and strategic due diligence, valuation, and integration planning.

- Support fundraising, strategic investor engagement, and Board-level materials.

Internal Leadership & Execution

- Translate strategy into executable initiatives with clear KPIs, milestones, and ownership.

- Work cross-functionally with operations, finance, technical, and ESG teams.

- Build and mentor a high-performing strategy or corporate development function as the company scales.

Required Qualifications & Experience

- 10+ years of experience in strategy, corporate development, investment, or commercial leadership within mining, materials, chemicals, energy, or industrial sectors.

- Strong understanding of critical minerals and battery supply chains (graphite experience strongly preferred).

- Demonstrated experience with M&A, joint ventures, or large-scale capital projects.

- Proven ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels in a growth or scale-up environment.

- Experience engaging with senior executives, Boards, investors, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience working in or with North American mining and processing assets.

- Familiarity with EV, battery manufacturing, or energy storage customers.

- Background in management consulting, private equity, infrastructure investing, or corporate strategy.

- MBA or advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field.

Key Competencies

- Strategic thinking with strong commercial judgement

- Financial modelling and investment evaluation

- Clear communicator with executive presence

- Ability to navigate ambiguity and fast-moving markets

- Collaborative, low-ego leadership style

Travel

- Willingness to travel regularly across North America and internationally as required.

Why Join

This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategy of a critical materials company at the center of the North American energy transition. The role offers direct exposure to the CEO and Board, influence over major capital and partnership decisions, and the chance to help build a resilient, domestic graphite supply chain.