Programme Manager Digital Water and Soil

VITO drives the sustainability transition for industries and governments, both locally and internationally. We support customers with advice and innovative solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.

More than 250 professionals in our Water and Energy Transition (WET) unit tackle complex issues to support and accelerate the systemic transition to a sustainable energy- and water-resilient future.

VITO has an open management position for the “digital water and soil” (DWS) team, consisting of some 20 R&D professionals with a solid knowledge base in the fields of water and soil quality, hydrology, (hydro)geology, hydroinformatics and geography. Typical projects of the team include advice to governments and industry based on data, models and aforementioned expertise. The team works closely with internal IT to develop new digital water products and services.

Does this sound like your cup of tea? Then read on below and apply.

Important: deadline for submitting applications is 9/5/2025.

As Programme Manager Digital Water and Soil you are part of the WET management team and report to the WET unit director.

An overview of your tasks:

• You take the day-to-day leadership of the team and ensure HR follow-up and the well-being and development of your team members.

• You take the lead in the strategic choices within your team and, together with your team, draw up roadmaps for research and the development of existing and new services and products in collaboration with the R&D and valorisation director

• You represent your team and VITO in relevant Flemish and European networks (research, partners, customers) and can use your network to increase the impact of your team and VITO.

• You ensure that the right competencies are built and that the necessary infrastructure and funding is provided

• You prepare the annual budget for your team and follow it up in consultation with Project Management Office team lead and director

• You organise internal processes around project recruitment, execution and knowledge transfer efficiently and follow up the portfolio of projects in your team (planning and financial results). For this, you are supported by the Project Office team.

• You keep in touch with the Flemish and international market and translate technological innovations to the market (technology transfer and/or spin-off creation). For this, you work together with the valorisation director and the business development team.

• You actively look for synergies with competences, products and services of other VITO teams and you set up strategic collaborations to increase the excellence of the research and accelerate the development or market implementation of the products in your team.

• You have a minimum of 5 years' experience in an innovation environment in a leadership role. Knowledge of the water domain and/or digital solutions are an absolute asset. You have a master's or PhD degree.

• You are strong in strategic thinking and can translate this into an operational plan.

• You have an extensive network in a relevant domain and know how to use it strategically.

• You have strong people & team development skills, strong coaching skills, know how to motivate others and are a good listener.

• You have financial/process skills.

• You are a team player and a good communicator.

• You speak English fluently. If no knowledge of Dutch, willing to learn.

Offer

• A competitive salary complemented by an extensive package of fringe benefits.

• The opportunity to join an internationally prominent player in the field of advanced technological research and scientific consultancy.

• Innovation is our trump card. We give our employees the opportunities to train and keep up to date within their field of expertise, more so; we expect this.

• We work activity-based; our activities lead us to our location. Primary working location of your team is Mol, supplemented by regular attendance at the VITO sites in Ostend, Berchem and Genk for team and management meetings. Working from home and/or working in our satellite offices in Antwerp-Berchem or Leuven is also possible.