Senior Manager | Director | Launchpad

A recruiter’s client is seeking an ambitious and innovative leader to build and oversee their climate tech-focused Launchpad. This person will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of start-up acceleration programs to address the climate crisis. Through the Launchpad, they support start-ups to establish their businesses in the UAE, bring their ideas to this market, and address regulatory challenges. Candidates must have experience working for an accelerator, fund raising experience would be an advantage. This role is only open to candidates who are willing to reside in Abu Dhabi. Please respect the criteria requirements and only apply if you meet these as you will not be considered if you do not.

Description:

• Establish and manage the Launchpad
• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the Launchpad, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall mission and objectives
• Design the operational framework and establish processes to effectively run the Launchpad, including program timelines, milestones, and performance metrics
• Oversee the recruitment and selection of start-ups, ensuring a diverse and high-potential cohort each cycle
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and progress of start-ups within the Launchpad, providing guidance and support as needed
• Develop and oversee sponsorship programs
• Identify and secure sponsorship opportunities to fund Launchpad programs, ensuring financial sustainability and growth
• Build and maintain relationships with potential sponsors, presenting compelling value propositions that align with their interests and objectives
• Develop tailored sponsorship packages and agreements, negotiating terms that benefit both the Launchpad and the sponsors
• Track and report on the impact and outcomes of sponsorships, ensuring transparency and accountability to sponsors
• Engage with the Climate Tech Ecosystem
• Actively participate in industry events, conferences, and forums to represent the company and the Launchpad, enhancing its visibility and reputation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including startups, regulators, industry partners, businesses, and investors
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among ecosystem players to drive innovation and collective problem-solving
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, adapting the Launchpad’s strategy and programs accordingly
• Team management of 3 team members
• Recruit, onboard, and develop a high-performing team of internal and outsourced professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture
• Set clear goals and performance expectations for team members, providing regular feedback and support to drive their professional growth
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of Launchpad programs
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence within the team
• Build strategics partnerships
• Identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities that enhance the Launchpad’s capabilities and reach
• Cultivate and manage relationships with a diverse range of partners, including academic institutions, research organisations, corporate entities, and governmental bodies
• Develop joint initiatives and collaborative projects with partners, leveraging their expertise and resources to achieve common goals
• Evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships and continuously seek ways to strengthen and expand them for mutual benefit
  
  
  

Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant work experience
• Experience dealing with start-ups and designing accelerator programmes
• Deep knowledge of the challenges in the UAE regarding adaptation, carbon, and circular economy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and office management software
• A strong network in the UAE and globally with respect to the climate tech ecosystem, particularly with accelerators, start-ups and investors
• Fundraising experience would be highly advantageous
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy
• Excellent business and strategic planning skills
• Expertise in grants and contract administration
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence people, solve problems, negotiate and resolve conflicts
• Attention to detail
• Ability to build strong relationships within the organisation and beyond
• Our client may consider candidate who live outside the UAE if they have the relevant experience. If you are currently based in the UAE but not living in Abu Dhabi, you will be required to relocate there as they do not want people commuting in from Dubai
  
  
  

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