Director of Business Operations

Director of Business Operations

Location: Pearl River, NY

Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Business Operations to lead our rapidly growing battery technology startup through its next phase of expansion. This role is multifaceted and will focus on both Business Development (building partnerships,

exploring new markets, driving revenue) and Internal Business Operations (streamlining processes, managing cross-functional initiatives, optimizing performance). You will be a key member of the leadership team, helping to shape the company’s strategy, culture, and operational excellence.

About Urban Electric Power

Urban Electric Power (UEP) is commercializing zinc anode rechargeable battery technology developed at the City University of New York (CUNY) Energy Institute. Made from the same environmentally sustainable materials as disposable alkaline batteries, UEP batteries offer a unique combination of enhanced performance, extended lifetime, and low cost. Founded in 2012, UEP is headquartered at its pilot manufacturing and battery testing facility in Pearl River, New York.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Execution

  • Collaborate with the executive team to define and execute the company’s overall strategy, with a focus on scaling product commercialization and market entry.

  • Identify new opportunities in emerging battery markets, with a focus on the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, including data centers.

• Business Development & Partnerships

  • Lead the prospecting, negotiation, and management of strategic partnerships with integrators, developers, and other industry players.

  • Identify and develop new leads for near term project deployments and long term offtake agreements.

  • Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for new product lines, leveraging market insights and competitive analysis.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential clients, ensuring ongoing alignment with customer needs and feedback.

• Operational Excellence & Process Optimization

  • Facilitate day-to-day business operations, ensuring that all functions (e.g., finance, supply chain, production planning, HR, IT) work seamlessly to support the company’s growth.

  • Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards.

  • Create and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success, guiding the leadership team on data-driven decisions and resource allocation.

• Cross-Functional Leadership & Team Management

  • Manage, mentor, and develop teams across various functions, building a high-performance culture with clear goals and accountability.

  • Partner with R&D, engineering, and product teams to ensure alignment between product development timelines and commercial objectives.

  • Drive company-wide communication and collaboration, serving as a bridge between technical, sales, and support teams.

• Financial Oversight & Resource Management

  • Work closely with the finance team to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models that support strategic objectives.

  • Manage operational spend and allocate resources effectively to maximize ROI and support rapid growth.

  • Propose and evaluate new business initiatives, assessing both financial and strategic fit.

• Risk Management & Compliance

  • Oversee risk mitigation strategies related to operations, supply chain continuity, and legal/regulatory compliance.

  • Stay current on evolving industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices to ensure organizational compliance and readiness.

  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Experience: 6–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in business operations, management consulting, strategy, or similar roles. Experience in clean energy, battery technology, or energy storage is a strong plus.

• Strategic & Operational Acumen: Proven track record of aligning company strategy with operational execution to achieve aggressive growth goals.

• Business Development Expertise: Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and negotiate complex deals.

• Leadership & Team Building: Experience in managing cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.

• Analytical & Financial Skills: Strong grasp of budgeting, forecasting, and KPI analysis. Comfortable using data to guide decisions and measure success.

• Communication & Influence: Exceptional ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, and partners. Adept at translating complex ideas into actionable plans.

• Technical Orientation: Familiarity with battery or energy technology is highly desirable.

• Willingness to learn the technical aspects necessary to guide business decisions and strategy.

  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Results-Driven: Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment with a commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving tangible results.

• Problem-Solver: Adept at navigating ambiguity and finding creative, scalable solutions to operational challenges.

• Collaborative: Works effectively across teams and levels, fostering open communication and knowledge sharing.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable wearing multiple hats and taking initiative to build and refine processes from the ground up.

• Continuous Improvement: Passionate about learning, innovation, and staying current on industry trends and best practices.

What we offer

• Impactful Role: A chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy storage and clean technology.

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary, bonus structure, equity options, and comprehensive benefits.

• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance and scale with the company as we grow globally.

• Mission-Driven Culture: Join a passionate team dedicated to revolutionizing the energy landscape and creating a sustainable future.

• Salary range: $125,000 – $165,000

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

• Valid driver’s license.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for clean energy and operational excellence, we would love to speak with you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and career objectives toinfo@urbanelectricpower.com.

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements for the role. Specific duties and areas of focus may evolve as the company continues to grow.