Director, Emerging Technologies

Job Summary

The Director, Technology Ventures will lead Southwire's corporate venture capital organization and drive innovation-focused growth through strategic investments and partnerships. This role is responsible for identifying new or disruptive technology players / startups, evaluating investment opportunities, and building relationships with startups, venture funds, and industry leaders. The Director will connect investment, collaboration and commercial opportunities with Southwire's business units to accelerate growth, create strategic and financial value, and advance the company's long-term technology & portfolio strategy. 

As the leader of Southwire Technology Ventures, this individual will operate with significant autonomy and serve as the primary architect of Southwire's venture investing strategy. This role will influence enterprise-level growth priorities, establish strategic partnerships, and build the capabilities, processes, and relationships necessary to position Southwire as a leading corporate innovation partner. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise, venture investing experience, strategic business acumen, and relationship-building capabilities to create measurable value for Southwire and its portfolio companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Southwire's corporate venture capital strategy, investment portfolio, and investment thesis development aligned with the company's strategic growth priorities.


• Source, evaluate, and execute investments in high-potential technology startups through technical, commercial, financial, and strategic due diligence.


• Present investment recommendations, portfolio performance updates, and strategic insights to executive leadership and governance committees.


• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive disruptions impacting power delivery, electrification, construction, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.


• Recommend innovation, technology, and growth opportunities that advance Southwire's long-term business strategy.


• Build and maintain strategic relationships with startups, venture funds, accelerators, and industry partners.


• Facilitate commercial partnerships and pilot opportunities between Southwire business units and portfolio companies to accelerate technology adoption and value creation.


• Drive strategic and financial returns across the venture portfolio by supporting portfolio company growth, commercialization, and market expansion.


• Establish and grow Southwire Technology Ventures as a strategic innovation platform, developing the processes, governance, partnerships, and capabilities necessary to support long-term enterprise growth.


• Lead and develop a high-performing venture and innovation team while managing organizational objectives, budgets, and performance metrics.


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Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Specialized Degree:    Engineering, Business, Finance, Technology, or related field.

Years of Experience: 15+

Field of Expertise:   

• Progressive leadership experience in venture capital, corporate venture capital, innovation, corporate development, technology strategy, engineering, or related fields


• Demonstrated track record evaluating and executing strategic investments in either a VC or CVC organization.


• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.


• Experience building partnerships across startups, research institutions, and industry organizations.


• Strong understanding of emerging technology markets.


• Knowledge of several of the following areas:
  o    Energy technologies
  o    Power electronics
  o    Electrification
  o    Grid modernization
  o    Digital power solutions
  o    Sustainable infrastructure
  o    E-mobility
  o    Advanced Materials

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level:    Master's

Specialized Degree:    MBA or advanced technical degree i.e. Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Computer Science, Industrial

Years of Experience: 15+ Years

Spans of Control

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: Yes Number of Direct Reports: 2-5

Travel

Travel:    Domestic    Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

Driving: 25%

Standing: 25%

Sitting: 25%

Walking: 25%

Working Conditions

Office

Plant/Warehouse Floor

Various Shifts

Loud Noise

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard

Safety Glasses

Competencies

Skills