Program Manager Deep-Tech & Defense- IGNITY

Leading the programs that accelerate defense innovation in Europe

For more than 25 years, IGNITY has supported the most promising entrepreneurs and technology companies — from AI to healthcare, industry to defense — in turning their innovations into high-impact solutions.

In the field of defense and dual-use technologies, IGNITY operates at the heart of the European and transatlantic ecosystem. This year, through programs such as DIANA, EUDIS, MaJoR and Start2Def, IGNITY will support more than 100 international companies through training, meetings with experts and investors, and structured challenges.

To drive this ambition, we are looking for a Program Manager: the person who leads, structures and drives these international programs, from launch to close-out.

The role

You report directly to the CEO. You are fully accountable, end to end, for high-stakes programs — ranging from €100,000 to €2M — in Belgium and internationally. You ensure their execution, profitability, and compliance with the commitments made to sponsors.

The role is built on a cross-functional model: there is no dedicated team under your direct management. Instead, you mobilize and coordinate shared resources across IGNITY — senior experts, finance and administrative functions, the events team — as well as external partners, subcontractors and members of international consortia. Planning, prioritizing, delegating, and securing stakeholder commitment are at the core of this role.

Key responsibilities

– Lead programs end to end: planning, deliverables, deadlines, and each stakeholder's responsibilities.

– Orchestrate IGNITY's shared internal resources based on program needs, arbitrating workload and priorities.

– Coordinate external partners, subcontractors, and European and international consortia.

– Anticipate risks of overload or slippage and trigger the necessary corrective actions.

– Act as the operational point of contact for programs, for internal teams, partners, start-ups and sponsors.

– Protect the scope: challenge stakeholders, push back with a well-argued “no” when necessary, and work with the Business Development Manager to identify opportunities for Change Requests.

– Own the financial and administrative steering of programs: budget, invoicing, reporting, audits, and contractual obligations.

– Drive on-the-ground activities — bootcamps, workshops, challenges, training sessions, matchmaking — in Belgium and abroad.

– Secure the satisfaction of sponsors and partners, key to renewing programs.

– Structure and improve IGNITY's ways of working to enable the company to scale.

– Contribute to business development, identifying new opportunities alongside the Business Development Manager.

The role involves occasional short trips, mainly across Europe, a few days per month.

Your profile

Above all, you are a Program Manager able to move teams and partners forward without direct hierarchical authority, in an international, technology-driven, fast-growing environment.

– Proven experience managing (multiple) technically-oriented projects or complex programs, ideally multi-stakeholder, international or technology-based.

– Demonstrated track record of managing significant budgets, with a strong results orientation.

– Experience managing international consortia in an innovation context, or consulting experience with the public sector (tenders, institutional mechanisms, relationships with public sponsors) is an asset.

– Strong skills in planning, scheduling, resource management, budget tracking and risk management.

– Proven ability to mobilize resources without direct hierarchical authority, secure commitment, and arbitrate between multiple projects.

– Comfortable challenging teams, partners and sponsors, and setting boundaries when needed.

– Quick to grasp complex technological environments.

– Excellent communication, coordination and negotiation skills in multicultural environments.

– Autonomy, rigor, and a strong sense of priorities.

– Fluent in French and English, spoken and written.

– Proficient with project management tools, Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of MS Project or similar is a plus.

– Familiarity with European program reporting mechanisms is an asset.

Prior knowledge of the defense sector is not required. What we are looking for above all is someone able to lead complex programs, structure an organization, and bring together resources and partners around shared objectives.

What IGNITY offers

– A direct impact on the technology start-up ecosystem.

– An international network of European partners, institutions and defense innovation players.

– An entrepreneurial environment, within a fast-growing organization.

– The chance to build deep expertise in defense and security.

Selection process

– Application + cover letter

– Screening of your application by Adaequatio Services

– Phone screening with IGNITY's HR Manager

– Interview with the CEO and Deputy Director

– Practical exercise

– Competency-based interview with a personality assessment

Application deadline: September 15, 2026

Location: Liège, Sart-Tilman Science Park

Contract: Permanent (CDI) or Freelance