Application Guide

How to Apply for 6.1. Vice President of Partnerships

at Phoenix Tailings

🏢 About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is pioneering zero-emission metal production from reclaimed mining waste, turning an environmental liability into a strategic resource. As a remote-first startup, you'll join a mission-driven team disrupting traditional metals supply chains with clean technology. This is a rare opportunity to shape the commercial foundation of a company poised to redefine sustainable manufacturing.

About This Role

As VP of Partnerships, you'll own the full lifecycle of strategic deals—from sourcing leads in defense, automotive, and clean tech to negotiating multi-million-dollar offtake agreements. Your work directly enables production scaling and revenue growth, translating Phoenix Tailings' technical breakthroughs into commercial wins. You'll be the bridge between cutting-edge innovation and market adoption.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a call with a defense contractor's procurement team to discuss a potential offtake agreement, followed by an internal meeting with engineering to align on technical specifications. Afternoon could involve drafting term sheets for a new automotive partnership, then reviewing financial models for risk-sharing mechanisms. You'll close the day by analyzing pipeline progress and preparing for a negotiation session with a Tier 1 supplier.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Phoenix Tailings Is Looking For

  • A deal-closer with 10+ years in business development or strategic partnerships, specifically in industrial sectors like metals, advanced manufacturing, or clean energy.
  • Proven track record of negotiating and closing complex, multi-million-dollar agreements with large industrial firms, OEMs, or defense contractors.
  • Deep commercial and financial acumen to structure pricing, volume commitments, and risk-sharing mechanisms that align with both customer needs and company objectives.
  • Ability to translate technical capabilities (e.g., zero-emission metal production) into compelling value propositions for non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Phoenix Tailings

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific deals closed in defense, automotive, or clean tech sectors—quantify revenue impact and contract duration.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with offtake agreements or long-term partnerships to Phoenix Tailings' need for production scaling.

3

Showcase your ability to work with Tier 1 suppliers or defense contractors—mention any relevant security clearances or government contracting experience.

4

Demonstrate understanding of the metals supply chain and sustainability trends by referencing specific challenges in mining waste or zero-emission production.

5

Prepare a one-page 'deal memo' summarizing a past partnership you closed, including structure, challenges, and outcomes—attach it as a supplement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your track record of closing complex, multi-million-dollar deals in industrial sectors (defense, automotive, clean tech).', "Show how you've structured agreements with risk-sharing mechanisms and volume commitments that drove revenue growth.", 'Express genuine enthusiasm for the mission of transforming mining waste into zero-emission metals and the commercial potential of this technology.', 'Highlight your ability to translate technical innovations into commercial value propositions for large organizations.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Phoenix Tailings' technology: understand how they produce metals from mining waste and the environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
  • → Research their target sectors—defense, automotive, clean tech—and identify key players (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Tesla, Siemens) that could be partners.
  • → Review recent news or press releases about Phoenix Tailings' funding, pilot projects, or partnerships to understand their current commercial traction.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the regulatory landscape for mining waste and zero-emission metals, especially any government incentives or defense contracts.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you negotiated a complex offtake agreement—how did you structure pricing and volume commitments?
2 How would you generate a pipeline of partnership opportunities in defense and automotive sectors for a novel metal production technology?
3 Describe your experience working with Tier 1 suppliers or OEMs—what were the key challenges in closing deals?
4 How do you assess the commercial viability of a partnership and ensure it aligns with company objectives?
5 What is your approach to risk-sharing in long-term agreements, especially when dealing with emerging technologies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on generic business development experience—emphasize deal-closing and complex agreement structuring specific to industrial sectors.
  • Avoid vague claims about 'partnerships' without quantifying deal size, contract duration, or revenue impact.
  • Don't neglect the company's mission—failing to show genuine interest in sustainability or clean technology can signal misalignment.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Phoenix Tailings!

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