Application Guide

How to Apply for Vice President of Business Development

at KoBold Metals

🏢 About KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is a unique AI-driven exploration company that uses machine learning to discover critical minerals for electrification and combat climate change. Their data-driven approach to mineral exploration sets them apart from traditional mining companies, offering a chance to work at the intersection of technology and sustainability.

About This Role

As VP of Business Development, you will lead efforts to secure exploration and mining assets globally, leveraging KoBold's AI technology. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable the discovery of metals needed for the green energy transition, shaping the company's growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with the technical team to review AI-generated exploration targets, followed by a call with a counterparty in Africa to negotiate terms for a joint venture. Afternoon could involve reviewing economic models for a potential acquisition and preparing a presentation for the executive team on pipeline opportunities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who KoBold Metals Is Looking For

  • A candidate with 10+ years in business development within natural resources or infrastructure, with a track record of closing complex deals for exploration or mining assets.
  • Strong background in economic modeling to evaluate project viability and negotiate terms, with proficiency in Excel or financial software.
  • Deep understanding of physical sciences (geology or mine engineering preferred) to collaborate effectively with technical teams and apply first-principles thinking.
  • Experience working in remote, cross-functional teams and managing relationships with counterparties across different jurisdictions, ideally in the EU.

📝 Tips for Applying to KoBold Metals

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific deals you've led in natural resources, including the size, stage, and outcome (e.g., secured exploration rights, acquired assets).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to KoBold's mission of using AI for electrification—mention how your deals contributed to sustainable resource development.

3

Prepare a brief case study or example of a complex business development deal you structured, emphasizing how you integrated technical and commercial due diligence.

4

Show familiarity with KoBold's technology by referencing their AI platform or published research (e.g., their work on mineral prospectivity mapping).

5

Demonstrate your interest in physical sciences by discussing a recent article or trend in critical minerals (e.g., lithium, copper) and how it impacts supply chains.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in business development for natural resources, specifically securing exploration or mining assets, and your ability to coordinate technical underwriting.', "Highlight your economic modeling skills and how you've used them to evaluate project viability and negotiate favorable terms.", "Express passion for KoBold's mission to combat climate change through AI-driven mineral discovery, and link your background to this goal.", "Show your first-principles thinking and interest in physical sciences by discussing a technical challenge you've solved in a deal context."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read KoBold's mission statement and recent news about their exploration projects (e.g., in Zambia or Australia) to understand their current asset portfolio.
  • → Study their AI technology: how they use machine learning to predict mineral deposits, and any published papers or case studies.
  • → Research the competitive landscape: other AI-driven mining startups (e.g., VerAI, Goldspot) and traditional mining companies to position your experience.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you led a business development deal from identification to closing—how did you coordinate technical teams and manage counterparties?
2 How would you evaluate the economic viability of a mining project? What key metrics do you consider?
3 KoBold uses AI to identify exploration targets. How would you integrate AI insights into your business development strategy?
4 Describe a situation where you had to negotiate a complex contract for asset acquisition. What were the key terms and how did you reach agreement?
5 What is your understanding of the current market dynamics for critical minerals (e.g., copper, nickel) and how do they affect exploration M&A?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on financial aspects without showing understanding of technical due diligence—KoBold values integration of science and business.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'closing deals'—be specific about the asset types (e.g., exploration rights, development-stage assets) and your role.
  • Don't ignore the remote EU aspect—demonstrate your ability to work across time zones and manage international relationships without constant travel.

📅 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 KoBold Metals!

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