Eureka is seeking an Operations Manager - Eurostars

Eureka is the world’s largest public network providing funding for international research, development, and innovation. Since 1985, governments and funding agencies have supported over 7,000 commercialized innovations, boosting economic growth and industry competitiveness. Eureka funds companies of all sizes, universities, and research organisations working on international R&D projects.

The Brussels-based Eureka Secretariat employs around 40 staff and supports the network's strategy, manages programme operations, maintains IT platforms, stores data, and promotes Eureka to stakeholders.

The Eurostars programme is co-funded by the EU through Horizon Europe and is the largest international funding programme for SMEs collaborating on R&D projects to create innovative products, processes, or services for commercialisation.

The Eureka Secretariat in Brussels is hiring a full-time leader for the Eurostars team.

As Eurostars operations manager, you will lead the international team involved in implementing the programme. This consists of launching the calls for project proposals, coordinating evaluation and funding, and monitoring of R&I projects with organisations across Europe and beyond. Coordination with the participating public funding authorities in 37 countries and upholding the highest standards of quality in that collaboration, will be a central task.  You will report to the Director-General and be part of the Eureka Secretariat’s management team. We are seeking a proactive, self-driven professional with strong leadership skills, project management experience, financial acumen, and excellent communication abilities in English to fill the post.

Duties and responsibilities

• Leadership and management of the team of nine
• Efficient and qualitative implementation of the programme
• Managing and improving processes.
• Risk management.
• Building strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders.
• Contributing to organisational development and financial planning. 
• Close collaboration with the IT team on the development of the Programme management platform.
• Promoting teamwork, resource sharing, and collaboration across departments.
• Leading governance meetings and managing information exchange with the key stakeholders including the 37 participating national public authorities, European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD).
• Preparing reports, documents and presentations. 
• Presenting and promoting Eureka and the Eurostars programme at external events. 

Qualifications and skills

• Leadership: ability to allocate tasks, manage evaluations, foster teamwork, motivate the team and promote trust and respect.
• Project management: oversee programme lifecycle, coordinate resources, manage calls, execute processes, oversee programme budget.
• Collaboration: work effectively with various departments (IT, finance, strategy) and external stakeholders.
• Analytical: identify improvements, plan changes, evaluate outcomes.
• Financial acumen: understand financial planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Reporting: create detailed and concise reports, documents, and presentations in English.
• Communication skills: strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Quality and risk management: ensure processes meet contractual obligations, quality standards, and service level expectations. Identify and mitigate risks.
• People management: good social and interpersonal skills
• Attitude: positive, proactive.
• Language: fluency in English.

Education and experience

• Higher education corresponding to completed university studies, attested by a diploma (a master's degree).
• Professional experience of at least five years, including management and leadership.
• Experience in project, grant, and/or programme management, preferably within international R&D programmes.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Eurostars Programme or similar initiatives is an advantage.
• Project management certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 is valuable.

What we offer

• Contract: Full-time, local, open-ended employment contract under Belgian law.
• Compensation: Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, home-office allowance, generous leave, pension, hospital insurance, meal vouchers, and mobility allowance.
• Work environment: International team of 40+ from 16 countries, modern office in the Brussels EU district.
• Values: Trust, transparency, passion, creativity, autonomy, collaboration, work-life balance, and diversity.
• Inclusion: Eureka is an equal-opportunity employer.

Start date: as soon as possible, ideally mid-August 2025

Application process

To apply, kindly submit your CV and motivation letter by clicking the online APPLY button at the end of the vacancy page. By submitting your application, you agree to the verification of your diplomas and references.

Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Belgium, either through citizenship of a European Union or European Economic Area country, or by holding a valid Belgian work permit.

Closing Date: Monday 28 April 2025 midnight. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted shortly after the closing. Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.