Partnership Manager- AI & Robotics Ecosystem

About the Role

Vention helps manufacturers automate their operations in record time with the only hardware and software AI-powered platform built for the factory floor. Our technology powers over 25,000 machines across 4,000 factories on 5 continents, serving a significant proportion of Fortune 500 manufacturers in industries from space rockets to electric vehicles to robotics.

At Vention, you’ll work alongside driven and talented people who care deeply about their craft and the impact they create. We move quickly and aim high, but we do it together with care, collaboration, and respect. Our culture celebrates diverse perspectives and supports your growth through intentional development, strong leadership, and opportunities to make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Build and own strategic relationships with leading AI labs, foundation model companies, and Physical AI startups.
• Establish Vention as a trusted partner within the robotics and AI ecosystem across North America and globally.
• Develop executive relationships with founders, CEOs, CTOs, and research leaders at emerging robotics companies.
• Identify, evaluate, and execute strategic technology partnerships that accelerate Vention's Physical AI platform.
• Represent Vention at major industry conferences, technical workshops, research events, and startup gatherings.
• Organize executive dinners, founder roundtables, technical meetups, and community events to strengthen Vention's network.
• Build relationships with leading venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and university robotics laboratories.
• Identify promising startups for commercial partnerships, technology integrations, investments, or acquisitions.
• Maintain a deep understanding of emerging trends in AI, robotics, simulation, embodied intelligence, and autonomous systems.
• Collaborate with Marketing to increase Vention's visibility within the global AI and robotics community.
• Support Business Development by identifying joint go-to-market opportunities with strategic partners.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of partnership initiatives from initial engagement through signed agreements and launch.
• Travel across North America and Europe to cultivate relationships and represent Vention.
• Serve as Vention's ambassador within the Physical AI ecosystem.
• Help shape Vention's long-term ecosystem strategy to position the company as the leading platform for software-defined automation and Physical AI.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, venture investing, startup ecosystem development, or product strategy.
• Strong existing network across AI, robotics, autonomous systems, or venture capital.
• Passion for emerging technologies and the future of Physical AI.
• Comfortable engaging with both researchers and C-level executives.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities before they become obvious.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Based in the San Francisco Bay Area with willingness to travel internationally.

Benefits

• Career pathing: Real opportunities to grow through personalized development plans, bi-annual employee reviews, and mentorship program.
• Professional development: Continuous training in performance management, inclusive leadership, leadership operating model, team building, and giving/receiving feedback.
• Gender diversity & inclusion: Pay equity reviews, inclusive policies, and a Women’s Employee Resource Group offering networking, mentorship, and quarterly learning sessions.
• Hybrid work: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid model, allowing you to work from home on select days.
• Community engagement: Two paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes you care about.
• Team events: Year-round employee events including annual kick-off, employee summit, quarterly happy hours, and department events.
• Comprehensive benefits: A complete group benefits plan for you and your family that starts day one.
• Top-up and benefits for new parents: Additional financial support and resources to support employees during their transition to parenthood.