Head of Sales Management

Leading commercial growth across the Atlantic lithium market and shaping long-term partnerships with global EV, battery and cathode manufacturers.Opportunity to influence Rio Tinto’s lithium growth strategy, lead a regional sales team and work closely with global OEMs in the energy transition sector.Based in Chicago, Illinois, with exposure across North America and Europe with a salary range between 151,760 - 227,640About the roleWe’re Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. We are looking for a Manager Sales Lithium Atlantic to help the Lithium Commercial team deliver sustainable commercial growth and maximise value from strategic customer relationships across the Atlantic region. Reporting to the VP Sales & Marketing, Lithium, this role leads regional sales strategy, customer engagement, contract negotiations and team performance while supporting Rio Tinto’s position in the global battery materials market.What you’ll be doingDevelop and execute the Atlantic regional sales strategy aligned to global lithium growth objectives and market opportunities.Manage strategic customer relationships across EV, battery, cathode and OEM customers to secure long-term value and retention.Lead negotiations for long-term, medium-term and short-term lithium chemical supply agreements, including pricing and commercial terms.Drive regional sales performance through forecasting, pipeline management, CRM discipline and KPI tracking.Partner with market analysis teams to identify trends, competitive threats and emerging growth opportunities.Collaborate with technical, product, legal, quality and operations teams to support customer qualification and commercial execution.Provide commercial insights and performance reporting to senior leadership while supporting strategic business decisions.If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.Demonstrated experience in strategic account management, sales leadership or commercial relationship management within chemicals, minerals, energy materials or comparable technical industries.Experience leading customer negotiations and delivering value through long-term commercial agreements in complex markets.Ability to build and maintain executive-level stakeholder relationships across customers, partners and internal teams.Experience leading, coaching and developing commercial teams in a results-focused environment.Strong understanding of sales forecasting, pipeline management and CRM systems such as Salesforce.Helpful for SuccessQualification in business, marketing, engineering, chemistry or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.Experience navigating global supply chain dynamics and market factors affecting battery materials demand and supply.Experience working with, or selling to, major North American automotive OEMs, battery manufacturers or cathode producers.What we offerBe recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress. Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus. Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits. Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave. A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family. Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges. Where you’ll be workingOur Commercial function at Rio Tinto connects our product groups, customers and suppliers from mine to market. We bring together Sales & Marketing and Trading (Sell), Global Procurement (Buy), and Marine & Logistics (Move) to buy, sell and move the materials the world needs, by partnering across the value chain to optimise outcomes for our customers and the Group. Headquartered in our global Commercial hub in Singapore, and with a strong presence in Chicago, Frankfurt, Antwerp and across Asia in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, we work as one team to deliver customer centric value, safely and sustainably.  Join our downtown Chicago office. Easily accessible and close to decision‑makers across our key markets, you'll be able to support customers and suppliers deliver value across the Atlantic market.  About Rio TintoRio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.SummaryLocation: ChicagoType: Full time