Director, Venture & Market Strategy

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, OVIN, The Director, Venture & Market Strategy is a dynamic and strategic leadership role focused on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth within Ontario's automotive and mobility sector. This role oversees the delivery of programs, initiatives and strategies aimed at establishing and supporting early-stage ventures, driving the commercialization of innovative technologies, and enabling Ontario's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete in the global supply chain.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and scaling impactful programs, strengthening the province's innovation ecosystem, and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including startups, academic institutions, investors, and industry leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of programming that supports venture development, SME growth, and commercialization within Ontario's automotive and mobility ecosystem, ensuring high-quality execution and measurable outcomes.
• Build strategic partnerships with start-ups, industry, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and ecosystem stakeholders to enhance startup development and commercialization outcomes.
• Lead the strategic direction and operational management of program and initiatives to support high-potential startups and scale-ups, including identifying and evaluating opportunities in alignment with Ontario's innovation and economic development priorities.
• Oversee relationships with companies, providing support to maximize their growth, scalability, and market success.
• Foster connections with venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate investors to support investment opportunities for Ontario companies.
• Serve as a key representative of OVIN, promoting programs and initiatives to ecosystem stakeholders and strategic partners.
• Collaborate with leadership team to set strategic goals and priorities and identify gaps and opportunities to address emerging needs.
• Drive thought leadership on emerging trends in mobility, technology, company scaling and venture funding, ensuring that Ontario remains at the forefront of the innovation landscape.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team to successfully deliver key programs and initiatives.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve program goals.
• Report on program performance, financial status, and impact to leadership and key stakeholders.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications, and Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance, or a related field (MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in program management, venture development, entrepreneurship, or economic development, ideally in the automotive or mobility sector.
• Proven leadership ability, with experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of designing, delivering, and scaling programs that support early-stage ventures or SMEs.
• Knowledge of working elements in the public sector and Ontario's innovation ecosystem would be an asset.
• Strong understanding of the automotive, mobility, and advanced manufacturing sectors, with insight into emerging trends would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships and strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including startups, industry leaders, academia, and investors.
• Highly developed interpretive and analytical skills, excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to oversee complex programs and initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, fund management, and investment evaluation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Occasional work required outside of normal business hours, including attendance at occasional external events.
• Occasional travel (10-20%) within Ontario.

OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.