Director, Emerging Technologies

About the Role

Southwire Technology Ventures is seeking a Director to lead its corporate venture capital organization and drive innovation-focused growth through strategic investments and partnerships. This individual will operate with significant autonomy and serve as the primary architect of Southwire's venture investing strategy, influencing enterprise-level growth priorities and positioning Southwire as a leading corporate innovation partner.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Technology, or related field.
• 15+ years of 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: Energy technologies, Power electronics, Electrification, Grid modernization, Digital power solutions, Sustainable infrastructure, E-mobility, Advanced Materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (MBA or advanced technical degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Computer Science, or Industrial Engineering).
• 15+ years of relevant experience.

Competencies & Skills

• Communicates Effectively
• Drives Results
• Manages Complexity
• Business Insights
• Values Differences
• Manages Ambiguity
• Influencing Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Quality Assurance
• Program Management
• Accountability
• Process Improvement
• Workflow Management
• Ethical Standards and Conduct
• Negotiation

Benefits

• 401k with Matching
• Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
• Parental Leave & More