Sr. Director, Xylem Innovation Labs (Water Technology)

TL;DR

Sr. Director, hirify.global Innovation Labs (Water Technology): Leading and scaling an enterprise engine for external innovation and venture engagement with an accent on institutionalizing repeatable growth capabilities. Focus on overseeing venture portfolios, scaling partnership accelerators, and driving commercial impact through strategic ecosystem sensing.

Location: Hybrid Charlotte, North Carolina

Company

hirify.global is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering people to solve critical water challenges.

What you will do

• Lead the enterprise mandate, strategy, and operating model of hirify.global Innovation Labs (XIL) as a central external innovation platform.
• Establish enterprise governance, KPIs, and funding models to institutionalize external innovation globally.
• Oversee the venture and open innovation portfolio, including investment strategy and startup engagement.
• Own the evolution of the Partnerships Accelerator to drive commercialization pathways from pilot to scale.
• Represent hirify.global externally with VC firms, startups, academic institutions, and strategic partners.
• Build and develop a high-performing team spanning venture, partnerships, and ecosystem engagement.

Requirements

• 15–20+ years of professional experience in innovation leadership, venture capital, strategy, or entrepreneurship.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a combination of technical and business experience.
• Proven ability to operate in both entrepreneurial environments and large, complex global corporations.
• Meaningful experience with corporate venture activities, investment evaluation, and governance.
• Must be based in or able to work hybrid from Charlotte, NC.
• Ability to travel up to 30% globally.

Culture & Benefits

• Part of a Fortune 500 leader in sustainable water technology.
• Commitment to inclusion and belonging through Employee Resource Groups (ERG).
• Access to a paid Volunteer Program via hirify.global Watermark.
• Inclusive environment focused on diversity and equal opportunity.