Director, Industry and Ecosystem Growth

Position Summary

The Director, Industry and Ecosystem Growth is responsible for executing OVIN’s external engagement strategy to drive sector growth, strategic collaborations, and commercialization opportunities across Ontario’s automotive and mobility ecosystem. This role is focused on building and activating relationships with industry, global stakeholders, government, and the broader innovation ecosystem to reinforce OVIN as a key connector and catalyst.

Who We Are:

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), established in 1987, is a leading not-for-profit organization that works with industry, academia, and government. OCI focuses on ensuring that the people of Ontario reap the personal and economic benefits of leading-edge research underway at our publicly funded universities, colleges, and research hospitals - research that can be transformed into technologies and services that enhance quality of life and help build a globally competitive, job-creating economy in Ontario.Specifically, OCI supports the commercialization of academic intellectual property (IP), industry-academic collaborations, and the development and adoption of emerging technologies. This includes overseeing the execution of advanced technology platforms that will equip Ontario companies to compete in a competitive global digital economy.

We also support and invest in early-stage projects where the probability of commercial success and investment return on innovation are substantial. OCI’s strong expertise in de-risking innovation helps attract private investors and other funders to new ventures, bolstering their success. We contribute as well to the development and retention of talent to ensure that industry has access to personnel with the most advanced skills and knowledge and that highly trained personnel find opportunities to apply their expertise in Ontario.

OCI leads Ontario’s Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative on behalf of the Government of Ontario. OVIN builds upon Ontario’s position as a world-leading automotive manufacturing and supply jurisdiction in addition to the large cluster of information and communication technology companies operating in the province. Ontario’s high-quality post-secondary institutions, first class talent, innovative small and medium sized enterprises, and infrastructure to support entrepreneurship ensure that the province is uniquely positioned to capture the economic opportunity of the automotive technology and smart mobility innovation space and lead the global mobility transformation.

Through resources such as research and development (R&D) funding, talent development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-based automotive and mobility companies – allowing Ontario to reinforce its position as a North American leader in transformative automotive technologies, as well as transportation and infrastructure systems.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Director, you will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

Strategic Collaborations & External Engagement

• Support the development and deliver on the execution of OVIN’s external engagement strategy across Ontario and priority global markets.
• Build, maintain, and expand relationships with industry leaders, SMEs, post-secondary institutions, government, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Identify and secure high-value alliances and commercial agreements that drive commercialization, sector growth, and new opportunities.
• Represent OVIN at industry forums, events, and engagements.

 Sector Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Maintain a deep understanding of sector trends across automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, and defence and dual-use technologies.
• Identify emerging opportunities and align engagement strategies to advance OVIN’s strategic priorities.
• Provide market insights and strategic advice to inform organizational direction and portfolio growth.

Regional & Ecosystem Development

• Strengthen relationships across Ontario’s regional innovation ecosystems.
• Lead initiatives that promote regional development, supply chain growth, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Facilitate connections between Ontario companies and global markets, customers, and stakeholders.
• Work closely with internal teams to align external opportunities with program priorities and pipeline development.
• Support and contribute to corporate initiatives, advisory committees, and cross-functional activities.

Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic account management, or ecosystem development within automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in originating, structuring, and closing complex, multi-party agreements and collaborations.
• Strong, established network across industry, government, academia, and/or global markets.
• Deep understanding of the Ontario innovation ecosystem, including funding programs, commercialization pathways, and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to identify and translate market and technology trends into actionable strategic opportunities.
• Experience engaging with global entities and navigating international markets and collaborations.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to assess business cases, collaboration models, and investment opportunities.
• Experience working with or alongside large industry players (OEMs, Tier 1s), SMEs, and scaling companies.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments.
• Strong communication and executive presence, with experience representing organizations in high-profile forums.
• Experience contributing to or shaping strategy, policy, or sector-level initiatives.
• Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels, connecting ecosystem opportunities to programmatic outcomes.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

Internal Contacts/External Contacts

• OCI staff at all levels
• Industry (from the CEO to the shop floor)
• Academic researchers, students, university research administrative staff
• University/college/hospital/government administration
• Government (at all levels, federal, provincial, and municipal)

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel (30 – 70%) across Ontario. 
• Participation required in non-office hour events such as networking meetings and workshops

This role is being recruited for a current opening.

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. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.