Business Development Manager Security & Defence

Context

The international security environment is evolving rapidly. Hybrid threats, geopolitical tensions, vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, energy dependency and technological disruption require new forms of preparedness, resilience and operational capability.

To strengthen the technological and industrial foundations for security and defence, Flanders has launched the Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (VISD). Within this initiative, VITO contributes its expertise in innovation, technology development, data intelligence, energy systems, critical infrastructure and resilience.

To strengthen the connection between technological innovation, industrial needs and strategic security priorities, we are looking for a:

Goal of the role

As Business Development Manager SecDef, you identify opportunities to accelerate the development, deployment and adoption of innovative technologies within the security and defence ecosystem.

You build bridges between industry, defence organizations, public authorities, knowledge institutions and technology developers. You understand emerging capability needs and translate them into collaboration opportunities, innovation initiatives and project development trajectories.

You actively contribute to the growth of the Flemish security and defence innovation ecosystem by identifying strategic partnerships, supporting project development and helping innovative technologies find their pathway towards operational impact.

What will you do?

Market intelligence & opportunity development

• Monitor developments in the security, defence and resilience landscape at Flemish, federal, European and NATO level.

• Identify emerging capability needs, technology gaps and strategic priorities relevant to security and defence stakeholders.

• Perform market and technology intelligence activities through industry engagement, conferences, trade fairs, defence events, policy initiatives and technology scouting.

• Translate identified needs into opportunities for technology development, collaborative innovation and project creation.

Business development & ecosystem building

• Develop and maintain relationships with defence organizations, public authorities, industrial partners, SMEs, start-ups and knowledge institutions.

• Proactively identify opportunities for collaboration between technology developers and end users.

• Support the expansion of the Flemish security and defence innovation ecosystem through strategic networking and partnership development.

• Facilitate interactions between operational stakeholders, industry and research organizations to stimulate innovation and technology adoption.

Project development & funding support

• Support the development of collaborative R&D and innovation projects at Flemish, federal and European level.

• Contribute to the preparation of project proposals, including impact development, stakeholder engagement and consortium building activities.

• Help identify relevant funding opportunities and strategic calls aligned with security and defence priorities.

• Support the establishment of industrial advisory boards, user groups and stakeholder communities around strategic initiatives.

Valorisation & technology adoption

• Contribute to the development of valorisation strategies for innovative technologies and solutions.

• Identify pathways for technology uptake by industry, government and defence stakeholders.

• Support the transition from research and demonstration activities towards practical implementation and operational deployment.

• Help position innovative technologies within broader security, resilience and defence capability frameworks.

Stakeholder engagement & strategic positioning

• Represent VITO in relevant networks, events, workshops and stakeholder platforms.

• Build long-term trusted relationships with key actors in the security and defence landscape.

• Support the strategic positioning of VITO within regional, national and international security and defence initiatives.

• Contribute to the identification of future strategic collaboration opportunities and growth domains.

Who are you?

We are looking for a professional who combines a strong interest in technology and innovation with excellent networking and business development skills.

The following experience and competencies are considered highly relevant:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Defence Studies, Security Studies, Economics, Public Policy or a related discipline.

• Strong affinity with security, defence, critical infrastructure, resilience or dual-use technologies.

• Experience in business development, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development or innovation management.

• Strong understanding of stakeholder dynamics across industry, government, defence and research environments.

• Proven ability to identify opportunities and translate them into collaborative initiatives or project concepts.

• Experience with public funding programs, innovation projects or collaborative R&D initiatives is considered an asset.

• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.

• Strategic thinker with a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Fluency in English is required. Dutch is a strong asset. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

• Comfortable operating in complex and rapidly evolving environments.

What do we offer?

You will become part of a growing organization with an international reputation, recognized for its cutting-edge technological research and science-based advisory services.

You will contribute directly to initiatives that strengthen security, resilience and technological innovation in Flanders and beyond.

We offer a competitive salary complemented by a broad package of fringe benefits, including allowances, insurance plans and a modular holiday package.

At VITO, we work activity-based. Your activities determine where you work, allowing flexibility while maintaining close collaboration with your colleagues, partners and stakeholders.