Vacancy: (Senior) Research and Innovation Manager for Projects

About DIGITALEUROPE 

DIGITALEUROPE represents digitally transforming industries in Europe. Our membership includes 120+ leading global companies and 45 national trade associations from across Europe, representing more than 45,000 businesses.

DIGITALEUROPE has built one of the largest EU project teams among European industry associations in Brussels and coordinates a broad portfolio of European and privately funded initiatives in areas such as digital skills, AI, cybersecurity, digital health, data spaces, sustainability and digital inclusion. 

About the role 

We are looking for a project management professional in research and innovation, with strong network and knowledge of EU-funded projects with excellent communication, stakeholder management and people coordination skills, and the ability to lead complex multi-stakeholder European initiatives in an international environment. 

The successful candidate will manage mainly EU-funded projects, lead the development of new proposals under different EU-funded programmes such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Progamme, and strategic initiatives, and help build strong collaboration across partners, stakeholders and internal teams. 

Key responsibilities 

Project management and implementation 

• Manage the day-to-day implementation of EU-funded funded projects.  

• Responsible for continuous reporting, periodic reporting for the European Commission, deliverables, milestones, amendments, reviews and audits. 

• Coordinate projects, including their work packages, tasks, timelines, deliverables and budgets. Monitor progress towards milestones and ensure high-quality delivery on time and within budget.  

• Identify and manage implementation risks and propose mitigation measures.  

• Keep a good relationship with project partners and ensure well-maintained collaboration throughout the project duration, while managing potential conflicts. 

• Prepare periodic project reports, deliverables and presentations for the European Commission, partners and stakeholders.  

• Ensure compliance with EU funding rules and internal administrative procedures.  

• Support project governance, consortium coordination and stakeholder engagement.  

• Organise meetings, workshops, events and communication activities linked to projects.

Research, innovation and proposal development 

• Lead the development of new project proposals and funding opportunities under programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Erasmus+ and EU4Health.  

• Lead the preparation of research-oriented reports, studies, and policy-related outputs.  

• Act as the main contact point for the European Commission in different projects. 

• Attend networking events to facilitate the development of new proposals and/or the implementation of ongoing projects. 

• Contribute to strategic thinking around innovation, digital transformation and deployment initiatives.  

• Translate project results into value for industry members and national trade associations, policy teams and their working groups. 

• Work closely with DIGITALEUROPE’s policy, communications and membership teams to connect projects with broader organisational priorities.  

• Build and maintain relationships with companies, research organisations, public authorities and European stakeholders. 

Profile 

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who combines strong project management capabilities with strategic thinking and interest in research and innovation. 

Required experience and skills 

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years of experience with EU-funded projects.  

• Proven experience managing complex European projects and multi-stakeholder consortia.  

• Proven track record of leading to successful proposals for different EU-funded projects. 

• Good understanding of EU funding programmes and project implementation rules.  

• Strong organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.  

• Excellent writing, analytical and communication skills in English.  

• Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders from industry, academia, EU institutions and partner organisations.  

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international environment.  

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.  

It would be valuable to have 

• Experience with Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Erasmus+, EU4Health or service contracts/tenders.  

• PM², PRINCE2, PMP or an equivalent certification would be an asset. 

• Research and innovation background, including experience drafting analytical or research-oriented reports.  

• Knowledge of, or interest in, digital policy areas such as AI, digital skills, cybersecurity, health, data, or sustainability/ green transition.  

• Experience working in European associations, research organisations, consultancies or EU affairs environments.  

• Additional European languages.  

Why Join DIGITALEUROPE?: 

At DIGITALEUROPE, you won’t just observe Europe’s digital transformation — you will help shape it.  

You will join one of Brussels’ most influential and fastest-growing trade associations, working alongside talented colleagues from more than 30 nationalities in a truly international environment.  

We offer:  

• A collaborative and supportive workplace culture;  

• Opportunities for professional growth and visibility;  

• Exposure to senior industry leaders and policymakers;  

• The chance to work on some of Europe’s most important technology and innovation issues;  

• A competitive salary package and permanent contract.  

If you are excited by technology, communications and public policy — and want your work to have real impact — we would love to hear from you.  

Contact & Application Process:  

Interested candidates should send a CV and a short motivation letter by 30 June 2026 via this application form.   

Based on the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. The expected starting date is as soon as possible.    

For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Federica Tondo at federica.tondo@digitaleurope.org.