Senior Strategic Partnership Manager Europe

imec

imec is the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The combination of our widely acclaimed leadership in microchip technology is what makes us unique. By leveraging our world class infrastructure and local and global ecosystem of partners across a multitude of industries, we create ground-breaking innovation in a wide range of application domains.  

What you will do

The EMEA Strategic Partnership team is tasked with developing and nurturing relationships with imec's esteemed clients. This team engages with customers, offering comprehensive insights into imec’s cutting-edge technologies to establish strategic alliances. To sustain our growth trajectory, we are seeking a Senior Strategic Partnership Manager Europe. 

Within the imec organization, the EMEA strategic development focuses on large, multinational corporations (F1000-F5000), aiming to drive innovative semiconductor capabilities across various business sectors. Additionally, we foster relationships within the deep tech start-up and scale-up EU community. 

Future societal and macroeconomic advancements are increasingly rely on deep tech innovation, nanotechnology, and AI capabilities powered by breakthroughs in semiconductor technology such as: transistor scaling to Angstrom, 3D stacking, hybrid bonding, new memory solutions, novel compute architectures, photonic IC’s, quantum computing, quantum sensing, connectivity technologies, GaN among many other imec R&D & LVM innovations. In this context, imec seeks to bolster its global leadership and enhance its presence in Europe by adding a high-calibre team member. 

As a Senior Strategic Partnership Manager Europe, you will be an integral part of imec's EMEA business team, responsible for expanding strategic relationships with both new & existing clients, with a focus on growing our business across all industry sectors. To succeed in this role, you will: 

Drive business activities: 

Client business strategy, go-to-market and lead generation across multiple industries:  

• Translate technology R&D roadmaps into client business strategy and go-to-market plans. The focus will be on innovation across different industries including Compute Technologies & Systems, Industry & Consumer (including Space & Defense, Robotics, Energy, etc.), Automotive, ASIC services, and imec silicon fab. Healthcare may also be included for those with an interest or expertise in this domain. 
• Gain access to and understand partner roadmaps to develop client engagements towards a mutual understanding of strategic partnering. Engage at various levels and with multiple stakeholders within current or prospective clients to translate this strategic understanding into qualified opportunities. Support the technical and business buy-in from a Key Account Management perspective. 
• Promote imec’s technological advancements at industry conferences. Participate in networking groups and attend events. 

Steer the opportunity validation and ensure closing: 

• Lead workshops to identify opportunities and refine USPs, guiding clients through imec's sales cycle with various imec stakeholders (R&D, Portfolio Managers, Program Office, … ). 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to client management, supporting business negotiations and deal closure alongside imec teams, especially IP and legal. 
• Collaborate with R&D and PMO teams to establish and follow up on annual projects, ensuring effective client engagement and potential follow-on projects. 

Build the client intimacy:  

• Build and strengthen client relationships by fostering client engagements to expand imec's presence through up selling and cross selling, leading to multi-year agreements. 
• Conduct strategic account reviews with internal and client management to create long-term key account plans. Identify partnership and revenue growth opportunities within the imec portfolio and present recommendations. 
• Maintain strong alignment between client and imec senior management. Establish proper governance for R&D and business steering. 

What we do for you

As a Senior Strategic Partnership Manager at imec, you will represent a global research institution with the largest semiconductor ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to contribute to technology roadmaps across all technology areas from a business perspective. You will represent an organization that builds industry partnerships with the goal of making a positive societal impact. 

You will interact with senior management decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts to build collaborations that shape the future. This position offers flexibility, working in a multidisciplinary team in an international culture, and opportunities for continuous learning. 

In exchange for your skills, passion, and expertise, you will join an organization with various challenges. Our working environment provides opportunities to take initiative. This is your chance to contribute to technology that will influence future society. Your contributions and those of your colleagues make imec prominent in its field. 

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• A master’s degree in technology, engineering, or related fields, along with strong business acumen and a passion for technology innovation, is required.  A PhD is not necessary for this position.  
• Demonstrated leadership in deep tech innovation in one or more industries is highly valued. Experience in semiconductor R&D is an advantage.  
• You have over 15 years of experience in sales, business development and/or product development, with a strong interest in driving strategic partnership development.  
• You are comfortable with multi-level, multi-stakeholder client interactions and enjoy developing and nurturing client relationships.  
• Familiarity with the Miller Heimann methodology and tools is beneficial.  
• You genuinely enjoy building client interactions, with a focus on driving impact through customer engagement, long-term relationships, technology leadership, and revenue growth. 
• You have a thorough understanding of multi-stakeholder engagements within larger companies to drive client partnerships.  
• Ideally, you possess an established network that includes contacts with large companies across Europe.  
• A network in the semiconductor industry and an understanding of various market dynamics and cultures across Europe would be advantageous. 
• You can think strategically to enhance customer engagement and negotiate at senior levels.  
• You have strong organizational, planning, verbal, written communication, and analytical skills. You are a team player with a can-do attitude.  
• You excel in presentations and interpersonal skills.  
• Proficiency in multiple languages, particularly French and/or German, is an asset. 
• Location: Leven, Belgium. Willing to travel frequently.