Managing Director [South Korea]

Role Overview: The Managing Director (MD) will lead Mind the Bridge’s operations in South Korea, serving as the senior executive responsible for local business development, institutional relationships, and office management. The MD will oversee a team to deliver high-impact advisory services and startup acceleration programs for both government agencies (e.g., KISED, INNOPOLIS, Seoul Business Agency) and corporate clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Establish a senior, managerial posture to guide the local team, ensuring accountability and clear internal coordination.

• Business Development: Proactively identify and close new commercial opportunities, including government RFPs and corporate innovation services, particularly in "Hard Tech" sectors like AI, Robotics, and Maritime technologies.

• Client & Partner Management: Act as the primary high-level contact for key Korean partners, managing expectations and fostering long-term strategic alliances.

• Program Oversight: Supervise the execution of our flagship programs and specialized PoC (Proof of Concept) programs, ensuring high satisfaction among participating startups and corporate partners.

• Ecosystem Representation: Grow Mind the Bridge’s brand presence in Korea by representing the firm at major events and within the local investor community.

• Budget & Compliance Management: Oversee the legal and financial aspects of the Korean entity.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Ecosystem Expertise: Deep understanding of the South Korean innovation landscape and a strong personal network among business leaders, government officials, and investors.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Full professional fluency in both Korean and English is essential for navigating cultural nuances and reporting to the Silicon Valley headquarters.

• Consultant Mindset: Ability to provide high-polish, structured advisory-style engagement for senior clients, particularly for those opening Innovation Antennas in Korea.

• Entrepreneurial Drive: A "scrappy," problem-solving attitude with the ability to manage ambiguity and move fast in a startup-driven environment.

• Management Experience: Proven track record in leading and developing cross-functional teams (10 years+), with a focus on mentoring junior staff and managing geographically dispersed operations.

Operational Context:

The Korean office operates as a strategic gateway to the Asian market, leveraging South Korea’s status as a global leader in R&D and digital transformation. The MD will be instrumental in shifting the local focus from traditional acceleration programs toward demand-driven PoC projects and advisory services.