Business Relationship Manager

Description
**Business Relationship Manager - Defence (M/F)**

Are you passionate about innovation, strategic partnerships, and advancing Defence capabilities through collaborative ecosystems? Do you thrive on connecting companies with European and international Defence opportunities to drive their growth and impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you

The mission of the Business Relations Management department is to ensure continuous support to organizations and research centers throughout their journey, understand business needs and direct them towards Luxinnovation services or other ecosystem offerings to support their innovation needs.

As a Business Relationship Manager - Defence, you will play, with your team, a central role in supporting the development of a thriving defence innovation community in Luxembourg. Reporting to the Head of National Business Relationship Management, you will work closely with national and international stakeholders to identify opportunities, promote Luxembourg’s technological capabilities in defence, and drive the emergence of high-impact collaborative projects. This is your chance to make a real impact in the Defence ecosystem

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

Your key responsibilities will include:
**_
Inspire_**
- Drive the strategic planning and implementation of Luxinnovation’s Defence activities, ensuring performance monitoring and the development of an engaged stakeholder community.
- Provide expert insights into economic, technological, and policy developments in the Defence sector to support strategic decision-making by relevant stakeholders and anticipate emerging opportunities.
- Actively represent Luxembourg in international Defence innovation fora, promoting national expertise and positioning the country as a credible player at the National, European and transatlantic levels.
- Contribute to the design and delivery of new services that support Defence-related R&D and innovation, in partnership with relevant ministries and funding agencies.
- Ensure timely dissemination of relevant Defence opportunities and intelligence across the ecosystem through targeted monitoring and proactive communication.

**_
Evaluate_**
- Identify companies’ needs in Defence innovation and assess their potential to participate in European programmes such as the European Defence Fund (EDF) and NATO initiatives.
- Inform companies on available instruments and services available in the national ecosystem. Guide them in European Defence Fund calls and EDA Capability Technology Groups (CapTechs).
- With Market intelligence, monitor the Defence ecosystem.
- Support companies in obtaining necessary security clearances by liaising with relevant national authorities.

**_
Connect_**
- Serve as Luxembourg’s operational interface with NATO and the European Defence Agency (EDA), coordinating CapTech-related communications and interactions.
- Organize matchmaking and networking events between Luxembourg stakeholders and international Defence actors, fostering strategic cross-border collaboration.
- Unite national stakeholders around a shared vision for Defence innovation by leading working groups, facilitating inter-institutional dialogue, and promoting synergies.

**_
Support_**
- Actively support Luxembourg-based companies in accessing European and international Defence programmes, providing hands-on assistance throughout their journey.
- Contribute to the setup of a national R&D call for Defence projects in collaboration with key ministries and funding bodies.
- Lead and coordinate project teams and working groups within the Defence innovation community to ensure coherent and impactful action.

**SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS**

**_
Qualifications and experience:_**
- Master’s degree in engineering, sciences, economics, or international affairs.
- 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in project roles within industrial, technological or institutional settings.
- Knowledge of the Defence sector or Luxembourg’s RDI ecosystem is a strong asset.
- Experience with collaborative innovation projects and public-private networks is highly desirable.
- Strong coordination, organisational and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to manage small teams or lead cross-functional groups.
- You are holder of an EU nationality.

**_
Interpersonal and soft skills:_**
- Autonomous, organised, proactive, and team oriented.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to draft clear, structured documents and briefing notes.
- Strong personal organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Fast learner with excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Ability to lead by example and to inspire confidence and commitment within the team and among stakeholders.

**_
Language skills:_**
- Fluency in Luxembourgish, French and English is required.
- Knowledge of German is a plus.

**WHY CHOOSE THIS POSITION?**
- This senior role offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in Defenc