Innovation Manager – R&D Programs, Business Development

IKNOWHOW SA

Innovation Manager overseeing R&D programs and managing partnerships at IKH Group. Driving funding proposals and ensuring compliance within a fast-growing technology environment.

Posted 7/14/2026full-timeAthens • 🇬🇷 GreeceMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in R&D project management, particularly in securing funding through Horizon Europe proposals, while effectively leading multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Proficient in technical writing and translating complex engineering concepts into compelling narratives for evaluators.

Highest-signal resume keywords

R&D Project ManagementHorizon Europe Proposal SubmissionTechnical Writing SkillsEC Funding Rules FamiliarityMulti-Disciplinary Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

R&D ManagementProposal DevelopmentTechnical Report WritingFinancial ReportingProject CoordinationRisk Mitigation PlanningTechnology TransferIP ManagementData AnalysisCompliance Monitoring

Soft Skills

MentoringCommunicationCollaborationProblem-SolvingNetworking

Tools & Technologies

EC Funding & Tenders PortalSEDIAEFormsProject Management SoftwareCollaboration Tools

Industry Keywords

Horizon 2020RoboticsAutonomous SystemsEnterprise SoftwareInnovation ManagementGrant AgreementConsortium GovernanceTechnology LicensingEuropean R&D EcosystemSTEM Field

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyCyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage and mentor a team of Project Managers responsible for the day-to-day delivery of active research programs (Horizon Europe, ESPA__).
Ensure all programs are delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with funder requirements (technical reports, audits, milestones).
Maintain a consolidated view of the R&D portfolio: resource allocation, deliverable calendar, financial burn-rate per project.
Resolve cross-project dependencies and escalate risks to the CTO/CEO with clear mitigation plans.
Lead the end-to-end submission process for competitive Horizon Europe proposals — from call identification and consortium assembly to technical contributions
Coordinate Greek national funding applications, liaising with GSRT/EYDE and other national bodies.
Write and edit high-quality technical content; ensure alignment between scientific/technical narrative and evaluation criteria. Manage internal review cycles.
Maintain a rolling 12-month proposal pipeline; track calls (eg Horizon Europe). evaluate fit, and decide go/no-go per opportunity.
Monitor proposal success rates, capture lessons learned, and continuously improve the submission process.
Identify, approach, and formalise partnerships with Greek and European key actors.
Support ecosystem building by representing IKH Group at conferences, brokerage events, and innovation forums (ICT Proposers Days, euRobotics etc.).
Develop commercial opportunities from R&D outputs: technology transfer, spin-off products, and licensing.
Co-define the annual R&D roadmap, aligning with group strategic priorities across Robotics, AI and software trends
Monitor technology trends (AI/ML, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, digital twins) and translate them into actionable funding and product opportunities.
Lead internal knowledge-sharing sessions on emerging R&D themes.

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of experience in R&D project management or innovation management, ideally in a technology company or research organisation.
Proven track record of successfully submitted and funded Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe proposals (as author or co-author of technical sections).
Solid understanding of at least one of our core domains: robotics/autonomous systems, or enterprise software.
Experience managing multi-disciplinary project teams; comfortable in a PM leadership or coordination role.
Strong technical writing skills in English; ability to translate engineering concepts into compelling, evaluator-friendly narrative.
Familiarity with EC funding rules (Grant Agreement, DOW, financial reporting), audits, and consortium governance.
BSc/MSc in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related STEM field.
Professional-level English (written and spoken); Greek fluency is a strong plus.
**Nice to Have:**
Background in business development, technology licensing, or tech transfer.
Familiarity with proposal tools: EC Funding & Tenders Portal, SEDIA, eForms.
Network within the European R&D ecosystem.
Experience with IP management and exploitation planning.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Attractive salary package based on experience.
Hybrid working model. #LI-Hybrid
Career development and growth opportunities within a fast-growing technology group.
Continuous training and professional development.
Modern offices in Athens.
Collaborative, dynamic and innovation-driven working environment.