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

To maximise 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 situated in the following three areas:

• an economy based on sustainable use of raw materials
• solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation
• 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.

As Team Lead / Program Manager of the MESCH (Membrane separation & Value Chain Assessment) team, you are responsible for developing strategy, defining research and managing your team members in order to achieve the team's objectives.

What do we expect from you?

• You are part of a team of 25-30 researchers and laboratory technicians and you also manage this team.
• You take the lead in strategic choices within your team and draw up roadmaps for the development of existing and new services and products. You ensure that the right competencies are built up and that the necessary infrastructure is provided. You prepare the annual budget for your team and follow it up.
• You have a network in the field of membrane production and state-of-the-art separation processes and set up strategic collaborations if they accelerate the development or market implementation of the products in your team.
• You work together with the business development team on the development of (bilateral) contract research and technology transfer to companies. You search for and contribute to subsidy projects.
• You are a member of the management team of the MATCH unit. You work closely with the other Program Managers in the field of development and marketing of products and services, as well as in the optimization of business processes. You report to the Unit Director.
• You coach and direct your employees, guide, and motivate them to contribute to their optimal commitment and development in a good working atmosphere. You make proposals for training programs and ensure the broad employability of your people.
• You monitor the portfolio of projects in your team: you monitor the finances (costs and revenues), contribute to the unit's objectives, analyze the status monthly and take actions where necessary. You also monitor the substantive status of projects.

Job requirements

• You have extensive experience in the field of chemical conversion processes (e.g. organic synthesis) and process intensification through separation processes and/or membrane processes in particular, preferably at least 5 years of this in an industrial context. You have a master's degree or PhD.
• You are 'people-oriented': you have strong coaching skills, know how to convince, and enthuse others, and you are a good listener.
• You are a team player through and through: you enjoy working with your team, for which you are hierarchically responsible, but also with colleagues outside your own team. You are also able to take the lead in terms of technological content and set out the lines, whereby you can effectively integrate the input of colleagues.
• You are market-oriented, decisive and you have vision. You are strong in strategic thinking. You can translate the strategy into an operational plan. You demonstrate that you have strong management capabilities (people, financial).
• You have strong communication skills: you know your people, know how to value their work and can sell your team's research.
• You are flexible and can easily adapt to changing circumstances.
• You speak Dutch and English fluently.

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 fringe benefits including allowances, insurance and a modular holiday package.
• Innovation is our most important asset, which is why 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 activity based; our activities lead us to our location. Hybrid working and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent, Ostend or Genk is possible.