Description

We are seeking to appoint a PMO Department Manager - Horizon Europe R&D to join our PMO team.

IRIS is an advanced engineering company specialised in real-time process monitoring and Industrial AI, delivering photonics-based and digital solutions for the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, bio-based, circular economy and recycling sectors. We combine spectroscopy, imaging, multimodal sensing, surface metrology and IoT with machine learning, edge computing and digital platforms. Our work also extends into biotechnology and life-science analytics.

IRIS has a long track record in European, national and regional R&D programmes, alongside B2B research contracts and an active internal innovation roadmap that drives new technologies, strengthens our product portfolio and builds IP.

The PMO Department Manager - Horizon Europe R&D will implement and optimise the systems used to manage our project portfolio, lead the PMO Officers (Project Managers), and ensure best practice in the management and coordination of collaborative R&D and innovation projects. You will also coordinate with implementation and development team managers to support effective delivery across active projects.

The role also includes driving our participation and leadership in proposals for upcoming Horizon Europe calls, National programmes (Misiones, etc.), and other initiatives (Interreg, Eurostars, etc.), ensuring a strong proposal pipeline and supporting consistently high-quality submissions. You will cooperate with the internal Innovation Unit to ensure alignment with the company’s Innovation Roadmap.

The PMO Department Manager - Horizon Europe R&D will ensure high standards in project management procedures across the PMO team, including contractual and financial processes (with support from the Financial and Administrative Department), within a culture of continuous improvement. You will have the ability to understand technical and scientific documentation related to R&D projects, as well as manage official procedures related to calls for proposals, grant agreements, audits and certifications. As leader of the PMO, you will manage, guide and advise the team, coordinate internal communications, and strengthen expertise within the team.

You will work closely with the Innovation Unit to identify suitable call topics linked to the company’s product and innovation roadmap, driving forward funding opportunities and maintaining a healthy proposal pipeline across EU and national framework. You will manage relationships with collaborators across Europe and build new cooperations within the European R&D and innovation ecosystem. You will represent IRIS in front of funding bodies (European Commission, Accio, CDTI, etc.).

You will report directly to the Deputy Director and engage frequently with Senior Management on the project portfolio and proposal pipeline.

This is a significant career opportunity for an experienced, well-networked professional interested in a high-profile role within a leading deep-tech SME PMO.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of European funded programmes (Horizon Europe) is essential; previous experience in a similar role is highly valued.
• Excellent team leadership and proven team management experience.
• Results-oriented, analytical skills, and attention to detail.