Director, Regional Development – mississauga

We are seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Director, Regional Development to lead strategic partnerships, drive sector growth, and create new commercialization opportunities across Ontario.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a professional with a strong background in business development, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, and stakeholder engagement within the automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, technology, or related sectors.

The successful candidate will play a key role in connecting industry leaders, government, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, and global partners to accelerate innovation, strengthen regional ecosystems, and support economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

• Develop and execute external engagement and partnership strategies.
• Build, maintain, and expand relationships with industry leaders, small and medium-sized businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners.
• Identify and secure strategic partnerships that drive commercialization, sector growth, and new business opportunities.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, networking sessions, and stakeholder meetings.

Sector Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Monitor trends across the automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors.
• Identify market opportunities and align engagement strategies with organizational priorities.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insights to support growth initiatives.
• Translate industry and technology trends into actionable business opportunities.

Regional & Ecosystem Development

• Strengthen relationships across regional innovation and business ecosystems.
• Lead initiatives that promote regional development, supply chain growth, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Facilitate connections between businesses, customers, strategic partners, and international markets.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align external opportunities with business objectives and program priorities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and advisory committees.
• Support strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and execution of long-term growth strategies.

Job Qualifications

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, or a related field.
• Experience within the automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, technology, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong professional network across industry, government, academia, or international markets.
• Strong understanding of commercialization, innovation, and economic development.
• Excellent business and financial acumen.
• Experience evaluating business cases, partnership models, and growth opportunities.
• Experience working with large organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, and growing companies.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with international partners and global markets.
• Experience developing sector strategies or policy initiatives.
• Understanding of funding programs, commercialization pathways, and technology adoption.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience influencing executive-level stakeholders.
• Experience working in fast-paced and evolving environments.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel throughout Ontario (30-70% travel required).
• Ability to attend occasional evening events, networking functions, workshops, and industry meetings.