PpVITO plays a key role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable, competitive and resilient industry in Flanders and Europe. By connecting scientific research and breakthroughs with unique lab and pilot infrastructure and strong industrial ecosystems, we turn cleantech and circular innovation into a strategic advantage for industry and society. /ppFor the bMaterials Chemistry /b unit (approx. 300 employees), we are looking for a bUnit Director /b who will further shape the unit’s strategic growth and impact. The unit operates at the intersection of circularity and sustainable industry, with research and innovation around critical and strategic raw materials, low-CO₂ construction materials, plastics recycling and bio‑economy, Power2Molecules, CCUS, and process efficiency. /ph3Your Role and Responsibilities /h3h3Strategy, Vision and External Positioning /h3ulliYou develop a long-term vision and strategy for the Materials Chemistry unit as a lever for a competitive, circular and climate‑neutral industry, and ensure solutions that accelerate European autonomy in energy and critical raw materials. /liliYou actively communicate this vision internally and externally and position VITO as a key player in strategic missions such as transregional circular hubs, Power2Molecules, CCUS, defense and SSbD, across relevant sectors (chemicals, manufacturing, etc.) and with key accounts in Flanders and Europe. /liliYou ensure the operationalization of the vision and strategy together with the unit’s management team. /li /ulh3Excellent Research, Innovation, Valorisation and Impact /h3ulliScientific excellence: collaboration with academic partners, technological breakthroughs. /liliAccelerating the valorisation of research into industrial and defense applications and scalable solutions. /liliEnsuring innovations not only work technically but also create value in industrial value chains. /liliYou also influence Flemish, Belgian and European policy frameworks through scientifically grounded policy advice. /liliYou further develop VITO’s unique combination of: /liliulliDeep scientific expertise /liliState‑of‑the‑art lab and pilot infrastructure /liliDe‑risking technologies into economically viable solutions /liliAdvanced life cycle and techno‑economic analyses /liliStrong data AI capabilities accelerating research /li /ul /liliYou further improve the RD and valorisation cycle and strengthen VITO’s product and service portfolio from the MATCH unit towards broader VITO programs. /li /ulh3Leadership, Organization and Transformation /h3ulliYou guide and inspire multidisciplinary teams of managers and experts. /liliYou organize the unit with strong vertical and transversal collaboration and high performance. /liliYou play an active role in the organization―wide transformation of VITO towards greater impact through industry‑driven valorisation, and actively seek synergies with other units (energy, water, spatial applications, health). /liliYou safeguard a culture of collaboration and excellence; integrity and diversity; well‑being and safe working conditions. /li /ulh3Operations and Risk Management /h3ulliYou are ultimately responsible for achieving scientific results, impact realization, budget, and financial results of the unit. /liliTogether with your management team, you are responsible for the operational management of approximately 300 Visioneers within the unit. /liliTogether with the executive team, you contribute to the strategic direction of an organization‑wide community of approximately 1,400 employees. /liliYou take well‑founded strategic and operational decisions at VITO level. /liliYou identify and manage (financial, safety, and environmental) risks and act proactively. /li /ulpWe are looking for an experienced, entrepreneurial and inspiring leader who thinks strategically, is strongly positioned externally (preferably internationally), and can both drive change and provide stability during transformation. /ph3You bring /h3ulliExtensive leadership experience at executive or senior management level, preferably in an industrial, technological or RD‑intensive context. /liliA strong and active international network, especially in the private sector (chemical and non‑ferrous industry, technology, investments), complemented by relevant contacts at Flemish and European level. /liliEducation and strategic insight in themes such as cleantech, circularity, materials, chemistry and industrial transition (Phd / academic experience is a plus). /liliProven experience with: /liliulliValorisation of research and technology, including optimal IP valorisation. /liliScaling and de‑risking innovations towards industry. /liliPublic‑private partnerships. /liliAbility to connect complex ecosystems and align stakeholders around a shared ambition. /li /ul /lilibFluent in English and Dutch /b; other languages are a plus. /li /ulh3You are /h3ulliA visionary leader who provides direction and delivers results. /liliA bridge builder connecting science, industry and policy. /liliImpact‑driven, entrepreneurial and decisive. /liliA strong communicator who can convince others effectively. /liliValues‑driven and convinced of the role of innovation in a sustainable and autonomous European industry. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr