Why Mint Innovation   

At Mint Innovation, we pioneer clean technologies that recover valuable metals from complex waste streams to help restore our planet. Our proprietary low-carbon technology recovers critical and valuable metals from waste and returns them to local economies and supply chains. Our Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology has been commercialised in Australia, and we are now building our second facility in the United States. Our mission is to deploy a global network of facilities to tackle waste where it’s produced and supply circular green metals to future industries. 

As part of our continued growth and innovation, we have a dedicated team focused on advancing and scaling a process for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Last year we secured funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to lead a three-year collaborative R&D project in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, LiBatt Recycling and the Warwick Manufacturing Group. The project aims to develop a localised, sustainable circular battery supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs). As part of this, Mint Innovation will design, construct and operate a demonstration-scale hydrometallurgical facility using its technology for refining black mass recovered from lithium-ion batteries.  

As we gear up for global impact in the battery recycling sector, we are looking for a driven and commercially astute Commercial Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed-term parental leave cover basis and help lead this next phase of growth. 

The Role 

As a key member of the project leadership team, you will lead the commercialisation of our lithium-ion battery recycling technology and help shape the future of this business line.  

You will operate at the intersection of clean tech, the circular economy and advanced manufacturing, working across New Zealand and abroad to bring this innovative recycling solution to market. This is a unique opportunity to work in a high-impact, high-growth environment where your work directly contributes to the global energy transition. 

The position is full-time, 12 months fixed term, and based at our HQ in Mt Wellington, Auckland, with close collaboration across UK and global stakeholders and will report to the CEO / Head of Project. Some international travel is to be expected. 

Your main responsibilities will be to: 

• Lead and execute the commercial strategy for the lithium-ion battery business, aligning technical milestones with market and funding opportunities. 

• Develop robust financial models, forecasts and business cases to support investment decisions, funding initiatives and scale-up planning.  

• Identify, negotiate and structure strategic partnerships, including offtake, supply and joint venture agreements. 

•  Act as Project Lead for our APC‑funded collaborative R&D project, coordinating partners, managing grant funding, overseeing delivery milestones, and ensuring successful commercial and technical outcomes. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other industry partners, investors and government stakeholders. 

• Provide market intelligence and commercial insights to inform strategic decisions and expansion plans. 

• Support cross-regional collaboration between NZ and UK teams, including site development and commercial negotiations. 

• Contribute to board reporting, performance tracking and funding compliance requirements. 

Our ideal candidate will have as many of the following qualities as possible: 

• 5+ years’ experience in commercial, strategy, business development or investment roles, preferably within clean technology, advanced manufacturing or related industrial sectors. 

• Strong commercial acumen with advanced analytical capability, including financial modelling and economic evaluation. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across investors, partners, government and technical teams. 

• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-moving start-up environment with evolving priorities. 

• Confidence working with ambiguity and shaping clarity from complex, cross-border environments. 

• Knowledge of metals trading, the battery industry, sustainability, circular economy or industrial decarbonisation would be an advantage 

If you’re passionate about sustainability, innovation and building green industrial capability, and you’re excited by the opportunity to help scale breakthrough battery recycling technology globally, we’d love to hear from you. 

We embrace diversity and inclusion and are committed to equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and under-represented groups of candidates tend to only apply when they meet every requirement. If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily tick every box, please still get in touch and apply, we’d love to chat and see if you might be a great fit 

Please note you must have the right to work in New Zealand to apply for this job. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For more background on Mint see our website - https://www.mint.bio/technology/batteries