Program Manager - China Market Focus

Group14 Technologies • Seattle, WA

8h • $110,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Founded with the vision to electrify everything, Group14 is the leading commercial manufacturer of advanced silicon battery materials. Our breakthrough technology, SCC55®, is unlocking transformational performance for rechargeable batteries that power the world’s most critical innovations, from electric vehicles and AI-enabled electronics to eVTOLs and grid-scale energy storage. By enabling higher-density, faster-charging batteries, we are helping accelerate the global transition to an electrified future.
Over the past year, Group14 reached major milestones that underscore our momentum. We closed a $463 million Series D round, bringing our total equity raised to more than $1 billion, and acquired full ownership of a battery materials factory in South Korea, strengthening global supply chains and scaling production to meet surging demand. Headquartered in Washington state with manufacturing operations worldwide, Group14 is backed by world-class investors and customers, including Porsche, ATL, Microsoft, and SK Inc. As we continue to grow, we are building a team united by passion for shaping the future of energy.
We are seeking a highly resilient, strategically-minded Program Manager (China Market Focus) to lead product qualification, milestone execution, and day-to-day customer alignment with major battery cell manufacturers and OEMs in China.
While our Business Development Managers lead commercial negotiations and contract execution, the Program Manager serves as the operational anchor—ensuring that signed programs are executed flawlessly on time, on budget, and to technical specification. You will serve as the primary bridging point between demanding Chinese accounts and Group14’s cross-functional teams (R&D, Global Operations, Quality, Finance), navigating complex customer dynamics and maintaining clear communication continuity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S. / B.A.) in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Native or business-fluent written and verbal proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English is strictly required to lead technical exchanges and daily program alignment with Chinese partners.
• Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, maintain composure when managing high-stakes customer relationships, and assertively drive cross-functional accountability with demanding enterprise accounts.
• Superior interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated success in maintaining seamless communication continuity across multi-layered customer organizations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous, complex situations, balance competing priorities, and execute swift resolution.
• 5+ years of total professional experience in customer communication, technical, engineering, or project/program management environments, with at least 3+ years of direct experience in Program Management, Project Management, or Technical Account Management.
• Ability to accommodate time zone differences between global HQ, Korea Operations, China-based partners, with willingness to travel internationally (~20–30%).

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in the Battery Materials, Battery Cell, Automotive (OEM/Tier 1), or Advanced Materials/Chemical industries.
• Understanding of industrial (battery, automotive, CE) qualification cycles, PPAP deliverables, and sample gate management.
• Deep understanding of Asia/Chinese enterprise organizational dynamics, decision-making hierarchies, and communication protocols.
• Proficiency in PM tools(Asana), ERP systems (SAP), and modern project management software.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end management of qualification programs targeting major Chinese battery manufacturers and OEMs, driving cross-functional accountability from sampling gates (A/B/C samples) to scale-up.
• Act as the primary technical and operational interface for Chinese accounts, ensuring continuous, proactive communication to build long-term trust across technical and program management teams.
• Facilitate complex discussions regarding technical specifications, testing protocols, sample delivery timelines, and program milestones, ensuring customer expectations align with internal operational capacities.
• Swiftly assess technical bottlenecks, quality deviations, or program delays; exercise sound situational judgment to make critical decisions and communicate risk mitigations clearly to internal leadership and customer stakeholders.
• Partner closely with internal R&D, Quality, Operations in HQ/Korea, and Finance teams to mobilize resources, troubleshoot program risks, and fulfill APQP/PPAP requirements.
• Plan, coordinate, and host onsite customer technical reviews, factory audits, and executive visits both in China and at global manufacturing facilities.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision: 100% paid for by the company for employees (80% for dependents) with an HSA-eligible plan option for Medical
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and AD and D Insurance (100% Employer Paid)
• Option to purchase additional Life and AD and D Insurance (with guaranteed issue) and Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Insurance coverages for you and dependents at affordable rates
• Discounted rates on Pet Insurance
• 401(k) with Pre-Tax and Roth options and Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Floating Holidays
• Stock Options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level