Interim (Senior) Partnership Manager – Strategic Defence Technology

Drivingimecsstrategic position in theEuropeanDefenceecosystem

Europe and likeminded countries face anunprecedented urgency to strengthen and industry partners areaccelerating investments in the semiconductors value chain securecommunication sensing and AI-enabled systems domainswhereimecssemiconductor leadership is increasinglymission-critical. With the Netherlands scaling itsDefenceinnovationagenda and Europe building new collaborative frameworks imec is expanding itsstrategic presence to ensure that breakthrough chip technologies directlycontribute to long-termdefencecapability development.

Imec is the worlds leading independentnanoelectronics R&D hub. Through world-class talent advancedinfrastructure and a global partner network we enable semiconductorinnovations that are smaller faster more sustainable and more secure. Beyondchip R&D we combine nanotechnologyexpertisewith data and AIcapabilities to accelerate applications across industry facilitiesare located inLeuvenBelgium with strong R&D footprints in Eindhoven Wageningen Nijmegen Ghentandadditionalglobal locations including the US.

To strengthen imec NLs positioning in the NLDefencesectorwe are seeking an interim (Senior) Partnership Manager withDefenceexperiencefor a period of 6 to 9 months. This role will shapestrategic entry by imecin this sector in the Netherlands build the right (industry) partnerships andconvert high-valueDefenceopportunities into impactful technologyprograms.

You will act as a trusted counterpart to selectedindustry partners and defenceorganisations. Your mandate spansstrategic positioning opportunity development and project definition ensuring thatimecssemiconductor and deep-tech capabilitiestranslate intoDefence-relevant solutions for both near-term and long-termneeds.

This consultancy assignment reports to the BusinessLine Director of the sector Aerospace & Security and the Regional ManagingDirector imec NL.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Positioning

• Position imec in the Netherlands as a key semiconductor and deep-tech partner forleadingDefenceindustrialorganisations in NL( NEDAERO/Patria Rheinmetall Airbus etc.).

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Management

• Manage high-level relationships withDefence (industry) stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal imecexpertisecenters and external technology partners.

Opportunity & Lead Generation

• Proactively generate thefirst strategic leads inNL that convert into paidDefencepartnerships and funded innovationprograms.

Project Definition & Delivery

• Shape scope and structure complex multi-partner projects including timelines budgets and stakeholder alignment.

Key Requirements

Experience & Education

• MSc or PhD in Engineering or equivalent; strong coordination program orsystems-engineeringorientation.
• 5 years of program or project management in international or cross-functional environments.
• Demonstratedexperience running complex multi-partner projects.
• EU27 nationality and able to undergoDefence-related security screening.

Defence& Technology Expertise

• Minimum 35 years ofDefence-domain experience (Ministry ofDefenceDefenceindustry integrators or reservist background).
• EstablishedDefencenetwork with the ability to open doors across stakeholders and decision-makers (DMU).
• Familiarity with semiconductor technology andDefenceapplications (preferred).
• Experience with major innovation/funding programs is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Strategic proactive and hands-on; strong systems thinking.
• Excellent stakeholder influence skills across multi-levelDefenceenvironments.
• Ability to balance ahelicopterperspectivewhile engaging deep into technical subdomains.
• Strong critical-thinking problem-solving and organizational capabilities.
• Fluent in Dutch and English (French/German are a plus).

This role based in the Netherlands with frequent travel to imec HQ in Leuven.

Pleasesubmityour resume and a brief motivation letter outlining relevant experience.
For more information contact Frank Wolfs Talent Acquisition

Required Experience:

Manager