Interim: (Senior Partnership Manager – Strategic Defence Technology

Interim: (Senior) Partnership Manager – Strategic Defence Technology
Drivingimec’sstrategic position in theEuropean Defenceecosystem

Why now
Europe and likeminded countries face anunprecedented urgency to strengthen technologicalsovereignty.

Defenceministries and industry partners are accelerating investments in the semiconductors value chain, securecommunication, sensing, and AI-enabled systems — domainswhereimec’ssemiconductor leadership is increasinglymission-critical. With the Netherlands scaling its Defenceinnovationagenda and Europe building new collaborative frameworks, imec is expanding itsstrategic presence to ensure that breakthrough chip technologies directlycontribute to long-termdefencecapability development.

About imec
Imec is the world’s 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 and society.imec’score facilities are located in Leuven,Belgium, with strong R&D footprints in Eindhoven, Wageningen, Nijmegen, Ghentandadditionalglobal locations including the US.

Role & Strategic Mandate
To strengthen imec NL’s positioning in the NLDefencesector,we are seeking an interim (Senior) Partnership Manager with Defenceexperiencefor a period of 6 to 9 months. This role will shapestrategic entry by imecin this sector in the Netherlands, build the right (industry) partnerships, and convert high-value

Defenceopportunities into impactful, technology programs.

You will act as a trusted counterpart to selectedindustry partners and defenceorganisations. Your mandate spansstrategic positioning, opportunity development, and project definition —ensuring thatimec’ssemiconductor and deep-tech capabilitiestranslate into Defence-relevant solutions for both near-term and long-termneeds.

This consultancy assignment reports to the Business Line Director of the sector Aerospace & Security and the Regional Managing Director imec NL.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Positioning

Position imec in the Netherlands as a key semiconductor and deep-tech partner for leading

Defenceindustrialorganisations in NL(e.g.,Thales, NEDAERO/Patria, Rheinmetall, Airbus, etc.).

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Management

Manage high-level relationships with Defence (industry) stakeholders.

Coordinate internal imecexpertisecenters and external technology partners.

Opportunity & Lead Generation

Proactively generate thefirst strategic leads inNL that convert into paid Defencepartnerships and funded innovation programs.

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.

Demonstrated experience running complex, multi-partner projects.

EU27 nationality and able to undergo

Defence-related security screening.

Defence & Technology Expertise

Minimum 3–5 years of Defence-domain experience (Ministry of Defence,Defenceindustry, integrators, or reservist background).

Established Defencenetwork with the ability to open doors across stakeholders and decision-makers (DMU).

Familiarity with semiconductor technology and Defenceapplications (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-level

Defenceenvironments.

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.

Interested
Pleasesubmityour resume and a brief motivation letter outlining relevant experience.
For more information, contact Frank Wolfs, Talent Acquisition Leadviafrank.wolfs.ext |

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