Sr. Director, Commercialization

<p>The Sr. Director, Commercialization will oversee the hands-on execution and partner management of Newlab’s flagship programs, with a core focus across our mobility, manufacturing, and industrial partnerships.</p>

<p>This role centers on driving direct program delivery, leading matrixed teams, and managing key government and industry relationships to create commercialization pathways for global startups. </p>

<p><strong>Key responsibilities</strong></p>

<p><strong>Commercialization delivery & stakeholder management (primary focus)</strong></p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Lead mobility , manufacturing s & industrial programs</strong>: Oversee execution of high-stakes partnerships with automotive and mobility OEMs and tier 1 suppliers, industrial leaders, and government entities to accelerate external technology adoption. Manage key relationship dynamics, direct cross-functional teams of contributors, and serve as the bridge between global startups and industrial partners.</li>

<li><strong>Expand mobility & industrial programs</strong>: Scope, launch, and direct programs that help government and corporate partners leverage global technology innovations to solve complex technical challenges, defend market positions, and expand into adjacencies.</li>

<li><strong>Drive commercialization outcomes</strong>: Ensure programs create clear pathways for startups to scale, secure commercial pilot opportunities, and generate regional job growth.</li>

<li><strong>Drive program revenue growth</strong>: Ensure well-executed programs grow revenue over time by identifying expansion opportunities, extending project scopes, and deepening engagement with existing partners.</li>

<li><strong>Maintain quality control</strong>: Act as the primary accountable leader for delivery execution, partner satisfaction, and deliverable standards across assigned programs.</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Financial, resourcing & systems improvement</strong></p>

<ul>

<li><strong>P&L & resource management:</strong> Maintain full oversight of program P&Ls, staffing models, and resource allocation to ensure healthy project economics and team utilization.</li>

<li><strong>Systems improvement:</strong> Identify operational bottlenecks in real time, anticipating team needs and building better systems and workflows to ensure seamless execution.</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Strategic growth & local ecosystem alignment</strong></p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Partner with leadership:</strong> Collaborate with the Detroit Managing Director, Chief Strategy Officer, and Global Head of Business to engage industry and government partners interested in Newlab Detroit.</li>

<li><strong>Develop durable partnerships:</strong> Translate high-level strategic conversations and incoming global interest into durable partnerships through hands-on scoping, proposal development, and structuring new commercial agreements.</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>6+ years of experience leading complex program delivery, client management, or innovation execution in manufacturing, industrials, or deep tech ecosystems.</li>

<li>Background in management consulting preferred; educational background in hard sciences or STEM (engineering, physical sciences) helpful, or a demonstrated ability to go deep into complex technologies.</li>

<li>Proven track record of managing multi-stakeholder programs involving high-level government entities, corporate sponsors, and early-stage technology startups.</li>

<li>Experience managing cross-functional, distributed teams in a matrixed environment.</li>

<li>Strong financial literacy with direct experience managing project P&Ls, scoping, and resourcing.</li>

<li>Outstanding communication, executive presence, and senior partner management skills.</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Compensation & benefits</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>$160,000 – $190,000 USD base salary</li>

<li>Performance bonus eligibility</li>

<li>Comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period</li>

<li>On-site perks at Newlab Detroit</li>

</ul>