CEO-in-Residence - Industrial Tech Portfolio

UP.Labs

$150K — $250K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years of experience in founding or scaling a B2B SaaS or data platform in manufacturing or logistics
  • Proven track record of selling to complex enterprises like OEMs and distribution networks
  • Experience building AI/ML-enabled platforms with defensible data strategies
  • History of closing high-value enterprise deals and sustaining long-term relationships
  • Experience successfully leading a company through Series A funding or towards an exit
  • Strong team leadership skills, with an emphasis on diversity and performance under pressure

Responsibilities

  • Own and drive the company's strategic direction and operations
  • Recruit and develop a high-performing team across engineering, product, and sales functions
  • Translate complex supply chain challenges into effective software solutions
  • Establish and nurture deep partnerships with customers, especially within the corporate partner ecosystem
  • Collaborate with UP.Labs product and venture teams to create value quickly
  • Lead funding efforts and drive company growth towards a successful exit

Benefits

  • Full founder equity and significant support from the UP.Labs platform
  • Access to tier-one venture capital funding and networking
  • The opportunity to lead initiatives addressing real industry problems
  • Collaboration with a leading manufacturer in the trailers and truck bodies sector
  • Hands-on role with flexibility to shape the company vision and direction
Full Job Description
Founding CEO: Lead the Next Breakthrough in Industrial Tech with UP.Labs

If you've built and exited a successful Industrial SaaS, Smart Manufacturing or data-driven company-and are eager to do it again-this is your moment to found something game-changing that includes structural advantages beyond the dreams of most startups.

We're looking for a CEO to build and scale an industrial software company from day one, in partnership with our corporate partner, a leading manufacturer of trailers, truck bodies, and parts.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a venture that starts with:
  • A real industry problem with immediate, measurable value
  • A committed enterprise customer base
  • Capital from tier-one VCs (with flexibility to bring your own backers)
  • Full founder equity and support from the UP.Labs platform
What You'll Build

You'll lead one of two vertical AI startups (based on final match and interest), each of which is already in motion. There will be an 'in-residence' component where you will help shape the opportunity with the 'problem-hunting' team as you transition into the CEO role.
  • Transforming custom sales in manufacturing starting with intelligent CPQ (configure, price, quote)
  • Aftermarket parts - predicting demand, automating fulfillment, and eliminating downtime.
Your Role

You'll serve as founding CEO-setting the direction, building the team, and owning outcomes. This is a hands-on role for someone who can go from zero to scale with urgency, clarity, and grit.

Responsibilities:
  • Own and drive strategy, operations, and execution-P&L, GTM, and beyond
  • Recruit and lead a top-tier team across engineering, product, and sales
  • Translate complex supply chain and logistics problems into world-class software
  • Build deep partnerships with customers, particularly inside the corporate partner ecosystem
  • Partner with UP.Labs product and venture teams to unlock value quickly and intentionally
  • Raise capital, drive growth, and lead the company to exit
You Might Be a Fit If You've:
  • Founded or scaled a B2B SaaS or data platform, ideally with a manufacturing, industrial, logistics or supply chain focus
  • Sold into or worked with complex enterprises (OEMs, distribution, or partner networks)
  • Built AI/ML-enabled platforms or have a sharp eye for building defensible data moats
  • Closed enterprise customers and maintained long-term commercial relationships
  • Led a company through Series A+ or to a successful exit
  • Built and inspired exceptional, diverse teams under pressure

Location: Major Metro Preferred

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