Job Opportunity:
The role of Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement is a critical position within our organization, responsible for driving innovation and industry engagement strategies. The successful candidate will lead all aspects of our innovation and industry engagement activities, including commercialization, new ventures, start-ups, spin-outs, and spin-ins.
* Developing and implementing comprehensive innovation and entrepreneurship strategies to drive growth and sustainability.
* Leading the development and maintenance of strategic industry partnerships with large enterprises, SMEs, and research institutions.
* Ensuring the success and sustainability of major externally funded activities, such as EU I-C3Chips Competence Centre and Tyndall's EU Chips Act Pilot Line Activities.
* Executing partnership and mission delivery for relevant State Agencies.
* Closing coordination and partnership with relevant units of University College Cork (UCC), particularly UCC Innovation and the wider Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation.
* Engaging with international research organizations to drive innovation and development in the global semiconductor industry.
* As part of the Executive Leadership Team, developing and delivering the forthcoming Tyndall 2030 Strategic Plan with direct responsibility for delivery of relevant theme(s).
* Direct line management of senior managers within the Innovation and Industry engagement portfolio, including hosted centers.
* Performing additional duties as required given the executive-level nature of the post.
Essential Criteria:
* A primary degree in engineering, science, or technology, and an MBA or other relevant postgraduate qualification.
* Ability to develop, implement, and lead innovation and industry engagement strategies aligned with our mission and strategy.
* Strong knowledge of the semiconductor value chain and ecosystem trends, particularly in the context of the EU Chips Act.
* Proven senior-level commercial management experience in the ICT sector, with broad technical knowledge of specialist ICT technologies and new venture development.
* Successful business unit leadership in a similar management role within industry or a research organization.
* A proven track record in managing strategic partnerships, fostering long-term collaborations, client relationship development, negotiating major bids, and high-value contract negotiation.
* Demonstrable leadership capability to influence, inspire, motivate, and manage an experienced team in a high-technology international business.
* Skilled in structured processes and governance, with experience in large corporates or entrepreneurial environments.
* Excellent communication skills, able to articulate vision and value propositions clearly.
* Experience in managing, transferring, and licensing technology within the public or private sectors.
* Experience operating at executive or board level, collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and influencing senior stakeholders.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience working within the Higher Education sector or public sector, and/or demonstrated understanding of related issues and challenges.
* Experience in generating or developing technology-based start-up companies.
* Knowledge/experience of national and international public funding environments, structures, and procedures.
* Experience working with government agencies and officials at a senior level.