Cyclic Materials™ is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠ processes, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high purity materials used in the production of permanent magnets. These materials are critical to the modern economy, including the production of electric vehicles, electronics, AI infrastructure, wind turbines, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly progressed from technology development to commercialization. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with a new expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by US$75 million in Series C financing led by T. Rowe Price, alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable rare earth supply.
We have established commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real world supply chains. In 2025, Cyclic Materials was named one of the Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Technology Review.
We are growing quickly and building the industrial backbone required for a circular rare earth economy. Joining Cyclic Materials means working on complex and exciting challenges at scale, alongside a team committed to executing and delivering measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.
Position Overview
Cyclic Materials is transforming the circular supply chain for rare earth elements and permanent magnets. As we continue to expand globally, we are seeking a highly strategic Business Development Manager Asia to establish and grow our commercial presence across Japan, South Korea, and other key Asian markets.
The successful candidate will develop strategic relationships across the rare earth and magnet value chain, secure feedstock supply agreements, establish offtake partnerships, negotiate commercial contracts, identify strategic investment opportunities, and provide market intelligence that supports long-term growth.
This is a highly visible role requiring a self-starter who is comfortable building a business from the ground up while representing Cyclic Materials with customers, suppliers, industry associations, and government stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Business Development
- Lead commercial business development activities across Japan, South Korea, and other strategic Asian markets.
- Develop and execute Cyclic Materials' regional commercial strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
- Identify and prioritize new business opportunities across the rare earth, magnet, recycling, automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors.
- Build a strong pipeline of strategic customers, suppliers, and commercial partners.
Feedstock Sourcing & Supply Development
- Identify, qualify, and secure new feedstock sources including:
- EOL products
- Rare earth-containing components
- Manufacturing scrap
- Magnet production scrap
- Electronic waste
- Build relationships with recyclers, dismantlers, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, scrap processors, industrial manufacturers, and waste management companies.
- Negotiate long-term feedstock supply agreements that ensure reliable volume, quality, and competitive pricing.
- Support supplier onboarding and relationship management.
Offtake & Commercial Partnerships
- Develop commercial relationships with:
- Magnet manufacturers
- Rare earth refiners
- Automotive OEMs
- Industrial manufacturers
- Clean technology companies
- Identify and negotiate offtake agreements for recycled rare earth products.
- Support development of long-term strategic supply partnerships throughout the value chain.
Strategic Account Management
- Manage key regional customer and supplier relationships.
- Serve as the primary commercial contact for Asian accounts.
- Develop account strategies focused on long-term value creation and partnership growth.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction while identifying opportunities to expand commercial relationships.
Commercial Negotiations
- Lead commercial negotiations for supply agreements, offtake contracts, strategic partnerships, NDAs, MOUs, and joint development agreements.
- Work closely with Legal, Finance, and Executive Leadership during contract negotiations.
- Develop commercial proposals, pricing strategies, and business cases.
- Ensure commercial agreements align with corporate objectives and risk management guidelines.
Market Development & Expansion
- Identify new market opportunities across Asia for recycled rare earth materials and permanent magnet’s materials.
- Evaluate opportunities to expand into additional Asian markets.
- Support market entry strategies for new products and services.
- Recommend strategic partnerships and regional growth initiatives.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor regional market developments including:
- Rare earth pricing
- Magnet manufacturing capacity
- Feedstock availability
- Competitive activity
- Government policy
- Trade regulations
- Critical minerals initiatives
- Provide regular market intelligence reports to executive leadership.
- Identify commercial risks and emerging opportunities.
- Share customer feedback and competitive insights to inform product development and strategy.
Industry Engagement
- Represent Cyclic Materials at industry conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and government forums throughout Asia.
- Build strong relationships with industry associations, government agencies, and research institutions.
- Position Cyclic Materials as a trusted leader in circular rare earth supply chains.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Science, Economics, or a related field.
- MBA is considered an asset.
- 7–10+ years of business development, commercial, procurement, or strategic sales experience in industrial B2B markets.
- Experience in one or more of the following industries is strongly preferred:
- Rare Earth Elements
- Permanent Magnets
- Metal Recycling
- Mining & Metals
- Critical Minerals
- Existing network within Japan's manufacturing, recycling, automotive, electronics, or magnet industries is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and long-term supply contracts.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains and commercial negotiations.
- Experience developing business in multiple Asian markets.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and build a regional business from the ground up.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout Asia (approximately 50%).
- Fluent in English and Japanese is required; Korean or another Asian language is considered an asset.
Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials
- At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
- We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP (Canada)/ 401K (USA) contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
- We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions
The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Cyclic Materials is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed. If you require accommodation at any stage of the interview process, please email [email protected]. Applicants for employment in the Canada and US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States or Canada and with Cyclic Materials (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa or any other non-immigrant status).
To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Science, Economics, or a related field
- MBA
- 7-10+ years of business development, commercial, procurement, or strategic sales experience in industrial B2B markets
- Experience in rare earth elements, permanent magnets, metal recycling, mining and metals, or critical minerals
- Existing network within Japan's manufacturing, recycling, automotive, electronics, or magnet industries
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and long-term supply contracts
- Strong understanding of global supply chains and commercial negotiations
- Experience developing business in multiple Asian markets
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently while building a regional business
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout Asia, approximately 50%
- Fluent English and Japanese
- Korean or another Asian language
- Work authorization in Canada or the United States without current or future visa sponsorship
What We Do
Cyclic Materials transforms yesterday’s waste into tomorrow’s critical materials. We’re creating a circular supply chain for the rare earth elements and critical materials that power our global economy, without compromising quality or environmental impact. Our proprietary two-phase process is unlocking value from discarded waste. Our MagCycle℠ technology simplifies the separation of rare earth magnets and critical metals from end-of-life electric vehicles, consumer electronics, wind turbines, and MRIs. Then our REEPure℠ technology restores those valuable materials back to their raw form, unlocking new revenue streams for metal buyers and feedstock companies. We are the only high-tech recycling company offering a scalable, efficient, and low-carbon recycling solution that complements mining on both quality and cost, and mitigates the risks associated with extraction. Cyclic Materials is setting a high bar for sustainable resource recovery. We’ve solved the barriers to creating a circular economy for rare earths, and our transparent, data-driven approach ensures the highest standards of sustainability and traceability, including rigorous Scope 3 carbon tracking and water efficiency. With USD $83.5M in funding, including USD $53M in Series B funding backed by partners like Microsoft and BMW i Ventures, we’re scaling our recycling infrastructure across North America and Canada to meet global demand. Cyclic Materials is establishing a more resilient, domestic supply chain for rare earths and critical metals, providing opportunity and value for global industries.
