Senior Director

Head of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking an entrepreneurial and well-connected leader to drive the growth of an international innovation platform. Bringing together startups, investors and industry partners, the platform supports breakthrough technologies and helps promising ventures access the funding, expertise and commercial opportunities needed to scale.

This role combines strategic leadership, partnership development and startup acceleration, with responsibility for expanding the platform’s reach and strengthening its innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the platform’s growth strategy, strengthening its international presence and positioning within the innovation ecosystem.

• Lead year-round promotion and outreach to attract high-potential startups, innovative projects, investors and strategic partners.

• Build and maintain relationships with venture capital firms, corporate partners, sponsors and industry stakeholders.

• Engage investors and secure sponsorship support for the platform and its participating ventures.

• Oversee the identification, assessment and selection of promising startups and technology projects.

• Connect participating ventures with mentoring, strategic advice, funding opportunities and commercial partners to accelerate their development.

• Facilitate pilot projects and real-world application opportunities to support technology validation and commercialisation.

• Oversee day-to-day operations, team management, programmes, events and partnership activities.

• Represent the platform at industry forums, investor meetings and international events, identifying opportunities for collaboration and expansion.Towngas-Senior-Director-Tera-Awrds.docx

Candidate Profile

• A bachelor’s degree or above in business administration, entrepreneurship, innovation, a energy, chemical or technology-related discipline or a related field.

• At least 10 years of professional experience, ideally within startup accelerators, venture capital, technology commercialisation or innovation platforms.

• A strong understanding of the startup lifecycle, entrepreneurial business models and funding mechanisms.

• A proven track record of connecting startups, investors and corporate partners, supported by a relevant professional network.

• Experience developing strategic partnerships and bringing together capital, industry expertise and commercial opportunities.

• Strong leadership and operational management capabilities, with the ability to translate strategy into execution.

• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills, with confidence engaging senior executives, investors and entrepreneurs.

• An entrepreneurial, resourceful and proactive mindset, with a genuine interest in sustainable technologies and innovation.

• Fluency in English and Mandarin.