Director, Emerging Technologies

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America's largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what's possible?

Location: Cofer Center

Job Summary

The Director, Technology Ventures will lead Southwires corporate venture capital organization and drive innovation-focused growth through strategic investments and partnerships. This role is responsible for identifying new or disruptive technology players / startups, evaluating investment opportunities, and building relationships with startups, venture funds, and industry leaders. The Director will connect investment, collaboration and commercial opportunities with Southwires business units to accelerate growth, create strategic and financial value, and advance the companys long-term technology & portfolio strategy.

As the leader of Southwire Technology Ventures, this individual will operate with significant autonomy and serve as the primary architect of Southwires venture investing strategy. This role will influence enterprise-level growth priorities, establish strategic partnerships, and build the capabilities, processes, and relationships necessary to position Southwire as a leading corporate innovation partner. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise, venture investing experience, strategic business acumen, and relationship-building capabilities to create measurable value for Southwire and its portfolio companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Southwires corporate venture capital strategy, investment portfolio, and investment thesis development aligned with the companys 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 Southwires 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 Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Bachelors Degree

Specialized Degree: Engineering, Business, Finance, Technology, or related field.

Years of Experience: 15+

Field of Expertise:

• 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:

o Energy technologies

o Power electronics

o Electrification

o Grid modernization

o Digital power solutions

o Sustainable infrastructure

o E-mobility

o Advanced Materials

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Masters

Specialized Degree: MBA or advanced technical degree i.e. Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Computer Science, Industrial

Years of Experience: 15+ Years

Spans of Control

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: Yes Number of Direct Reports: 2-5

Travel

Travel: Domestic Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

Driving: 25%

Standing: 25%

Sitting: 25%

Walking: 25%

Working Conditions

Office

Plant/Warehouse Floor

Various Shifts

Loud Noise

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard

Safety Glasses

Competencies

Communicates Effectively

Drives Results

Manages Complexity

Business Insights

Values Differences

Manages Ambiguity

Skills

Influencing Skills

Analytical Skills

Critical Thinking

Quality Assurance

Program Management

Accountability

Process Improvement

Workflow Management

Ethical Standards And Conduct

Negotiation

Benefits We Offer:

• 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

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.