Chief Operating Officer

**About EIT Manufacturing**:
**Chief Operating Officer - EIT Manufacturing ASBL**

Full-time position at EIT Manufacturing ASBL (ASBL).

**About the Role**

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Operations Department at the EIT Manufacturing Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC). You will work closely with the CEO and Functional and regional Directors as part of the Management Team to implement EIT Manufacturing’s multi-annual strategy. EIT Manufacturing’s purpose is to improve people’s life through sustainable manufacturing, we require a visionary leader to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and efficiency in achieving it. The COO will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organisation’s strategy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring best-in-class governance and internal controls. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will drive operational performance, streamline processes, and enhance organisational effectiveness through robust systems, policies, and procedures.

**Key Accountabilities**

**Governance, Compliance & Risk Management**
- Oversee corporate governance, ensuring adherence to all regulatory, legal, and ethical standards.
- Implement and monitor compliance frameworks to uphold transparency and accountability across all operations.
- Lead risk management strategies, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans.
- Ensure robust internal audit functions, addressing process improvements and regulatory compliance.

**Operational Excellence & Organisational Efficiency**
- Lead all operational activities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Design and enhance the operational framework, including processes, procedures, and performance monitoring.
- Ensure optimal internal information flow, maintaining high security and accessibility standards.
- Prepare, produce, and monitor annual business plans and performance reviews in line with EIT requirements.
- Align operational and reporting structures with organisational requirements for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with regional and functional Directors to maximise synergies and operational effectiveness.
- Engage with other KIC and regulatory bodies to share best practices and leverage shared knowledge.

**Information Systems & Digital Transformation**
- Drive the development and integration of advanced information systems and digital solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Ensure data integrity, cybersecurity, and compliance with IT governance standards.
- Leverage technology to improve decision-making, workflow automation, and overall organisational performance.

**Legal and procurement**
- Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements across contracts, partnerships, and procurement activities.
- Oversee contract negotiations, ensuring favourable terms and risk mitigation for the organisation.
- Develop and enforce procurement policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and value for money.
- Establish vendor management strategies, ensuring high-quality supplier relationships and performance evaluations.
- Lead the development of ethical sourcing practices and adherence to public procurement guidelines.
- Work closely with legal advisors to mitigate risks and ensure contractual integrity.
- Monitor changes in regulations and ensure organisational adaptation to maintain compliance.

**Reporting & Compliance**
- Ensure full compliance with Horizon Europe and EIT regulatory framework across all activities, including education, business creation, and innovation.
- Manage timely and accurate internal and external reporting, adhering to all regulatory and organisational requirements.
- Streamline the planning and reporting processes for partner organisations to minimise their administrative workload.

**Stakeholder & Organisational Leadership**
- Act as deputy to the CEO as required to support internal and external activities.
- Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a high-performance culture and talent development.
- Manage the operational liaison of the KIC with EIT, ensuring a smooth and effective collaboration
- Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Supervisory Board, contributing to long-term organisational strategy.

**Qualifications**
- Relevant academic degree: Masters level or higher in a relevant business or science discipline or equivalent professional experience/qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably within the manufacturing or innovation sectors.

**Skills and expertise**:

- Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
- Expertise in operational strategy, business process optimisation, and quality management.
- In-depth knowledge of information systems, digital transformation, and data governance.
- Exceptional financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, an