Project Manager - Remote Sensing of vegetation

VITO develops technology to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable society and economy. One of the key technologies applied in this context is Remote Sensing. With the increasing number of satellites, drones, processing facilities and technologies like artificial intelligence, the opportunities with remote sensing are larger than ever. Meanwhile the Remote Sensing team of VITO counts more than 120 motivated scientists, IT engineers and project managers. To facilitate the growth of our ambitions we are looking for an extra colleague, more specifically a project manager.

You will be full time employed as a project manager in VITO’s Remote Sensing team. This means that you will manage large projects (up to a few meuro) for institutional clients like the European Commission, the European Space Agency, or the United Nations. While the majority of your portfolio will be institutional clients, also commercial clients could be part of your account. You will oversee projects from initiation till closing, making sure the work gets done efficiently and satisfactorily.

This function requires expert skills with respect to project management. You should be able to handle large and complex projects, where you take the lead over an international partnership. This requires excellent management skills, social skills, negotiation power, planning & budgeting experience, and a delegating attitude. You should be a borne problem solver and, in the end, create the perfect environment for your internal and external R&D colleagues who perform the scientific work. You don’t have to be an expert in Remote Sensing, or Vegetation Mapping. But a general understanding of these domains and knowledge of the funding ecosystem in which we operate is a strong asset.

In VITO you will report on the progress of your projects to the team manager and the program manager. Outside VITO you will communicate frequently with clients and partners. Hence, excellent writing and presenting skills are key.

Must Have

• You hold a Master or PhD degree related to bioscience engineering, engineering science, or environmental sciences;
• You have proven knowledge and expertise in project and bid management. Experience in all core PM duties through project start up, design, procurement, execution and handover stages;
• You have proven knowledge and expertise in effective project management techniques;
• You have a strong customer focus;
• You are a borne problem solver; and you have a cool-headed attitude, also when things get difficult;
• You have the ability to make decisions, act on your own initiative and operate in a pro-active way;
• You have a proactive and flexible working attitude;
• You have excellent writing and presentation skills in English;
• You have excellent team/client interpersonal skills

 Nice to Have

• You have a certification in PM², PRINCE2 or PMBOK.
• You have expertise in remote sensing and/or vegetation mapping, though you should not be the scientific expert in these domains;
• You have experience in geospatial data analysis, GIS or algorithm development.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ostend or Genk is possible.
• A competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a modular package of holidays.
• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.
• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.
• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.
• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.