Head of Competence Center Labs & Infrastructure

VITO is a Flemish independent research organization in the field of cleantech and sustainable development. Our goal? Accelerating the transition to a sustainable world.

To maximize our impact, we focus on further strengthening our thought leadership in the field of sustainability and innovation, in line with global, European and Flemish challenges. This expertise and impact is located in the following three domains:

1. an economy based on sustainable use of raw materials
2. solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation
3. a sustainable living environment

Within the MatCh (Materials & Chemistry) Unit, we investigate the use of non-fossil, mineral and circular raw materials to make industry more sustainable and enable new value chains.

On the other hand, existing industrial processes are reconsidered in the light of more energy and material efficient process operations where material shaping, separation technology (a.o. sorbents and membranes), chemistry, electrochemistry and bioprocess technology are applied to enable this.

We are convinced that besides technological innovations, broader societal innovations among policymakers and companies are crucial in this transition.

In line with this vision, VITO is looking for a ‘Head of Competence Center Labs & Infrastructure’. 

Job Description

As Head of Competence Center, you play a crucial role in aligning and optimising competences and processes, bringing together the relevant teams and experts within VITO. In doing so, it is essential to have a broad external view of the professional field and translate it to the competence center.

Your responsibilities:

• Building and operating(managing) a competence center around Labs & Infrastructure through strategic support, knowledge management and talent development. You will thereby focus on the existing competences on this topic within the own MatCh Unit and the  other VITO Units and coordinate with the involved stakeholders. You will align and identify synergies, opportunities and stumbling blocks in order to continuously strengthen our expertise and tools and increase our impact.

• Ensuring a unified understanding and vision concerning Labs & Infrastructure, and communicate it both internally and externally. You will set up external initiatives (partnerships, strategic projects, etc.) towards various stakeholders both nationally and internationally, in function of long-term growth and impact.

• Keeping an eye out externally in order to understand the supply and demand side and help set the strategy for further developments, taking the lead and acting as a point of contact. You will involve all VITO stakeholders and ensure that we use and develop our (future) competences in a targeted way.

• You will do this by: elaborating and implementing a corporate long-term plan (objectives, responsibilities, resources, actions) which is further translated into annual work plans, setting up internal working groups and defining new products and services. You will coordinate these long-term and short-term plans with the management of the teams and units involved.

• As the Head of the Competence Center You are also the supervisor of the IDEA (Infrastructure, Design, Engineering, Analysis) team, for which its Teamleader will report to you. The IDEA team consists of around 20 engineers, laboratory technicians and supporting staff. You will closely work together and align with the IDEA teamleader on strategic and budget aspect. You monitor progress and performance of the IDEA team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field, complemented by managerial competencies.
• Proven experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and projects.
• Demonstrable experience and broad knowledge of site infrastructure & laboratories, safety & environmental regulations and site engineering.
• Strong communication and networking skills and ability to effectively collaborate at different levels within the organisation.
• Service oriented mindset with a proactive and results-oriented approach with a strong focus on continuous improvement (procedures, guidelines, efficiency etc).
• You can adapt to changing circumstances and are a promoter and facilitator for (internal and external) collaborations.

What can we offer you?

• The opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific advice.
• A competitive salary supplemented with various extra-legal benefits including allowances, insurance and a modular holiday package.
• Innovation is our most important asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to learn & further develop themselves both on the job and through training.
• We work based on activities within VITO. Your activities determine your work location, with your home office also being part of a possible work location (e.g. 1 to 2 days a week given the nature of the position)..