International Business Developer Remote Sensing

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. The Remote Sensing Unit of VITO has a long tradition, but Remote Sensing has never been more innovative and fascinating than today. With the increasing number of satellites, drones, processing facilities, and technologies like artificial intelligence, the opportunities with remote sensing are greater than ever.  

Meanwhile the Remote Sensing team of VITO consists of more than 100 motivated scientists, IT engineers, and project managers. To facilitate the growth of our ambitions we are looking for an additional colleague, more specifically an International Business Developer with a focus on the institutional market.  

You will be full time employed as Business Developer in VITO’s Remote Sensing team.

• This means that you will scout opportunities in the institutional market. The main clients will be European Institutes like the European Commission, EC’s Joint Research Institute, the European Space Agency, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the European Environment Agency, etc. While the focus will be on these European clients, also international Clients like the United Nations might be targeted. You will identify interesting opportunities that fit our strategy and goals. Once opportunities have been identified, you will manage the entire bid process.  

• This role requires expert skills in bid management. You should be able to handle large and complex tenders, taking the lead in an international partnership. This requires excellent management skills, negotiation abilities, experience in planning and budgeting, and a delegating attitude. You don’t have to be an expert in remote sensing, GIS or data science, but a sound understanding of these domains and knowledge of the ecosystem in which we operate is a strong asset.  

At VITO, you will report on your activities to the Program Manager and the management team. Outside VITO, you will frequently communicate with clients and partners. Therefore, excellent writing and presenting skills are key.  

We are looking for a senior profile, creative and highly motivated, with at least the following qualifications: 

• You hold a Master or PhD degree in engineering, bioscience engineering, or environmental sciences; 

• You have a passion for the natural environment and wants to contribute to solutions that improve the sustainability of our environment; 

• Proven knowledge and expertise in the managing large tenders involving many partners. Experience in all core bid duties like consortium building, financial negotiation, strategy development, and coordination of writing; 

• Knowledge of the European funding landscape is a strong asset;  

• A project management certificate is an asset but not a strict requirement;  

• Knowledge on remote sensing, geoinformation systems and/or data science, though you don’t need to be the scientific expert in these domains;  

• Strong customer focus; 

• A borne negotiator; 

• The ability to make decisions, act on your own initiative and work proactively; 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with team members and clients; 

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English;  

• A strong interest in working in an international environment.  

Offer

• A customer-facing position in an internationally oriented research institute with a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance and a modular package of holidays. 

• Network opportunities with industry leaders at (international) conferences. 

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we offer our employees opportunities for additional training and staying up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and explore new technologies. 

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarters are in Mol. Part-time working from home or a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Genk or Ostend is possible. 

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global levels through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.