Chief Operating Officer - EIT Manufacturing ASBL

Chief Operating Officer - EIT Manufacturing ASBL

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer - EIT Manufacturing ASBL role at EIT Manufacturing

About EIT Manufacturing

EIT Manufacturing is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. It is the leading panEuropean community fostering innovation in manufacturing through a unique active ecosystem with 200+ partners, connecting businesses, startups, academia and research institutions to make innovation happen.

The Role

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Operations Department at the EIT Manufacturing Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC). The COO will work closely with the CEO and Functional and regional Directors as part of the Management Team to implement EIT Manufacturings multiannual strategy and ensure operational excellence, compliance, and efficiency.

Key Accountabilities

• Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Oversee corporate governance, ensuring adherence to all regulatory, legal, and ethical standards.
  • Implement and monitor compliance frameworks to uphold transparency and accountability across all operations.
  • Lead risk management strategies, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans.
  • Ensure robust internal audit functions, addressing process improvements and regulatory compliance.
• Operational Excellence & Organisational Efficiency
  • Lead all operational activities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
  • Design and enhance the operational framework, including processes, procedures, and performance monitoring.
  • Ensure optimal internal information flow, maintaining high security and accessibility standards.
  • Prepare, produce, and monitor annual business plans and performance reviews in line with EIT requirements.
  • Collaborate with regional and functional Directors to maximise synergies and operational effectiveness.
  • Engage with other KIC and regulatory bodies to share best practices and leverage shared knowledge.
• Financial Control and Grant Management
  • With the Finance Directors, oversee the financial strategy and planning, ensuring alignment with the organisations growth objectives and overall strategic direction.
  • Manage financial operations and controls, maintaining accuracy, compliance, and fiscal discipline across budgeting, reporting, and risk management.
  • Ensure sound grant and funding management, upholding accountability, compliance, and efficient fund utilisation in collaboration with program leaders.
• Information Systems & Digital Transformation
  • Drive the development and integration of advanced information systems and digital solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.
  • Ensure data integrity, cybersecurity, and compliance with IT governance standards.
  • Leverage technology to improve decision-making, workflow automation, and overall organisational performance.
• Reporting & Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with Horizon Europe and EIT regulatory framework across all activities, including education, business creation, and innovation.
  • Manage timely and accurate internal and external reporting, adhering to all regulatory and organisational requirements.
  • Streamline the planning and reporting processes for partner organisations to minimise their administrative workload.
• Stakeholder & Organisational Leadership
  • Act as deputy to the CEO as required to support internal and external activities.
  • Lead crossfunctional teams, fostering a highperformance culture and talent development.
  • Manage the operational liaison of the KIC with EIT, ensuring smooth and effective collaboration.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Supervisory Board, contributing to longterm organisational strategy.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic degree: Masters level or higher in a relevant business or science discipline or equivalent professional experience/qualifications.
• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably within the manufacturing or innovation sectors.
• Strong experience working with European institutions and funding mechanisms (EIT KICs, Horizon Europe, etc.).

Skills and Expertise

• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
• Expertise in operational strategy, business process optimisation, and quality management.
• Indepth knowledge of information systems, digital transformation, and data governance.
• Exceptional financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Ability to build and lead highperforming teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, problemsolving, and decisionmaking skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in a publicprivate partnership, innovation ecosystem, or manufacturing industry, preferably within a multinational working environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory environments affecting the manufacturing and technology sectors.
• Track record of successfully leading change management initiatives and digital transformation projects.
• Background in internal audit, risk assessment, or quality assurance leadership.
• Other EIT KICs experience is a plus.

What we offer

• A dynamic, scaleup environment with fast decisionmaking, open communication, minimal hierarchy, and significant autonomy.
• A collaborative and supportive team within a modern and welllocated office.
• An Englishspeaking work environment.

Location

The role can be based in Paris at the EIT Manufacturing Headquarters or remotely from any of the following countries: France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain or Portugal. Regular travel to Brussels and the EIT Manufacturing headquarters in Paris is required.

Equal opportunities

EIT Manufacturing values diversity and applies policies of equal opportunities. We welcome applications without discrimination on any grounds. Candidates who believe their interests have been prejudiced by a decision in a selection process may request a review of, or launch an appeal against, the decision affecting them. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with a recognised disability (RQTH). If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know confidentially.

Protection of personal data

Candidates personal data are processed as required by Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). For more information, please check the privacy statement on recruitment available Privacy Notice .

Closing date

December 01st, 2025

Please join us on this exciting journey. Send us your application now!