Senior Innovation

Senior Innovation & Partnerships Manager - IT OpenText is a global leader in information management, where innovation, creativity, and collaboration are the key components of our corporate culture. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to partner with the most highly regarded companies in the world, tackle complex issues, and contribute to projects that shape the future of digital transformation. AI‑First. Future‑Driven. Human‑Centered. At OpenText, AI is at the heart of everything we do—powering innovation, transforming work, and empowering digital knowledge workers. We’re hiring talent that AI can’t replace to help us shape the future of information management. YOUR IMPACT Reporting directly to the Director of Digital Strategy, the Senior Innovation & Partnerships Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing OpenText’s innovation agenda through strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, government, industry, and innovation hubs. This role will drive the development and commercialization of new solutions in applied AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, ensuring OpenText remains at the forefront of technological advancement. What The Role Offers Strategic Partnership Leadership: Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with Canada’s top research universities, innovation hubs, and startup incubators to drive collaborative research and technology development. Support and oversee operational projects co‑developed with government, academic institutions, industries, and innovation hubs, ensuring partnerships deliver measurable value. Launch Research & Academic Programs: Collaborate with universities to launch flagship research and academic programs (e.g., research chairs, master’s and undergraduate programs). Engage with leading universities to design new Co‑Op and Post‑graduate programs aligned with OpenText’s strategic initiatives and future talent needs. Develop training and education pathways to attract emerging talent into OpenText. Launch continuous learning and skills development programs for OpenText professionals focusing on leading technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud. Startup Commercialization & Ecosystem Building: Manage and grow an ecosystem linking OpenText, public sector, technology startups, universities, and innovation hubs. Bridge the gap between OpenText and startups to drive the commercialization of new solutions and products. Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication: Collaborate on the creation of materials for internal and external stakeholders, articulating OpenText’s innovation strategy and partnership outcomes. Support efforts to ensure innovation initiatives align with OpenText’s corporate strategic focus. Financial & Operational Collaboration: Partner with Business Operations, Corporate Development and Finance to support multi‑year planning and ensure partnership initiatives are financially sustainable. What You Need To Succeed Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of experience, including previous experience in partnerships and working with academic institutions. Demonstrated experience collaborating with innovation hubs and startup incubators (preferred). Excellent communication and presentation skills, including experience developing presentations for executive audiences. Strong collaboration skills to work with cross‑functional teams and external partners. Proven track record in leading programs and planning initiatives with multiple stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to turn data and research into actionable insights. Experience in developing and reporting on key performance metrics to inform strategic decisions. Familiarity with enterprise IT, commercial operations, artificial intelligence, cloud operations, or cybersecurity is a plus. OpenText’s efforts to build an inclusive work environment go beyond simply complying with applicable laws. Our Employment Equity and Diversity Policy provides direction on maintaining a working environment that is inclusive of everyone, regardless of culture, national origin, race, color, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, family status, age, veteran status, disability, religion, or other basis protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact us at hr@opentext.com. Our proactive approach fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, enriching OpenText’s vibrant workplace. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Information Technology Industries: Software Development Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) Salary range: CA$153,062.00 – CA$191,318.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr