About 28DIGITAL
28DIGITAL is Europe's digital innovation engine, a multi-stakeholder platform, rooted in European values and open to the world, we turn knowledge into innovation, scale startups into global ventures, and build the next generation of digital talent to shape a fair, competitive, and human-centric digital future.
We work at the intersection of science, business, and society, transforming breakthroughs in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced computing into solutions that strengthen Europe's sovereignty, accelerate the green transition, and improve lives.
For more information, visit
The Role
The
Business Development Director / Chief Commercial Officer
is responsible for driving revenue growth, opening new markets, and building scalable commercial pipelines across all 28DIGITAL activities, including education, innovation services, ecosystem offerings, and venture-related initiatives.
This role is central to delivering the commercial ambition of the 28DIGITAL strategy, ensuring that growth is increasingly driven by market demand, long-term partnerships, and sustainable revenue streams.
The position is designed with a dual-title structure. Depending on seniority and track record, the successful candidate may join at Director level, with a clearly defined path to C-level (Chief Commercial Officer) as revenue scale, team size, and organisational impact grow.
Main Responsibilities
* Define and execute the organisation-wide commercial expansion strategy, aligned with the strategic objectives.
* Open and develop new markets, revenue streams, and customer segments in Europe and globally.
* Through collaboration with the business units, build, manage, and scale a structured, multi-line sales pipeline covering education, innovation programmes, ecosystem services, and venture-related offerings.
* Integrate marketing, CRM, outreach, and sales execution into a single, coherent market growth engine, ensuring visibility, discipline, and predictability of revenues.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
1. Revenue Growth
* Total revenue growth
* Share of commercial revenue versus grant-based income
2. Pipeline Quality & Conversion
* Qualified pipeline coverage
* Pipeline-to-contract conversion rate
3. Market Expansion
* Revenue generated from new markets and new customers
* Number of new revenue streams successfully launched
Qualifications and Experience
* Proven senior experience in business development, commercial strategy, or revenue leadership, ideally in innovation ecosystems, education, digital, technology, or professional services.
* Strong track record in opening markets, building pipelines, and closing complex B2B and institutional deals.
* Ability to operate at both strategic and execution level, structuring teams, processes, and tools for scalable growth.
* Experience in environments combining public funding, partnerships, and commercial activities is a strong asset.
Languages
Excellent command of English is required. Additional European languages are considered a strong asset.
Employment
* Full-time position
* Primary location: Brussels, Belgium
* Employment at another 28DIGITAL location in Europe may be considered.
* Significant travel across Europe and internationally is expected.
Compensation
* Attractive fixed salary, aligned with seniority and experience.
* Significant variable compensation, directly linked to revenue generation, pipeline development and conversion and successful market expansion.
To apply
Please mail your PDF resume and motivation letter to
outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Applications without a PDF motivation letter will not be considered.
At 28DIGITAL, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us in shaping Europe's digital future
Applications should be submitted before 23:59pm CET on Thursday 12 February 2026.