Manager – Start-Up relations (m/f)

Full-time permanent contract, ref.: SURMAN

Are you interested in carrying out a mission at the national innovation agency to contribute to Luxembourg’s economic development through innovation? Are you willing to join a professional, multidisciplinary, dynamic and human-sized organisation undertaking a transformation programme to better serve companies and stakeholders and develop more impactful projects and initiatives? You are structured, forward-thinking and client-focused?

Then this job opportunity is for you!

We are looking for a forward-thinking, team-focused and people-oriented manager to lead Relationship Management activities targeting start-ups and scale-ups & manage the Start-Up Relations team (5-7 people). The Start-Up relations service develops and manages business relationships with startups and scaleups, organise acceleration programmes (e.g. Fit4 Start) and promote the startup ecosystem (Startup Luxembourg).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In close coordination with your line manager, implement Luxinnovation’s strategy for start-ups and scale-ups in line with the Government’s “Seed to Scale roadmap”:

• Design and formulate annual objectives, action plans and projects

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of planned activities

• Develop and monitor statistics and KPI’s for the Start-Up team’s activities

Be responsible for organising business relationship activities targeting start-ups and scale-ups.

• Oversee, and contribute to, a professional and adjusted account management process by developing a complete view of the past, current and future actions with individual companies, avoiding redundancy of contacts with companies, implementing a thorough back-up system, and ensuring the integral documentation in the CRM system.

• Ensure that account management processes are always aligned with the other teams within the Business Relationship Management department to ensure consistency and collaboration.

• Guide companies towards the relevant Luxinnovation teams (notably the Innovation & Funding support department) or towards other services from stakeholders in the ecosystem to support them in their innovation needs.

• Support collaborations and business opportunities through matchmaking, network integration and sharing of value-added information.

• Detect and support start-up and scale-up opportunities generated from technology transfer, technological collaboration between inventors, entrepreneurs, experts and research institutes, and information sharing.

• Ensure high levels of company satisfaction with Luxinnovation’s services and actions.

• Identify and analyse gaps (at company or ecosystem level) in a structured manner and regularly share insights and findings based on interactions with companies.

Promote Luxinnovation, Startup Luxembourg, and innovative business creation in Luxembourg.

• In collaboration with the Marketing & Communication and Innovation & Funding Support teams, coordinate information and awareness campaigns (e.g. publications, events) on support measures and financial aid for creators of innovative businesses in Luxembourg as well as on the enabling environment for entrepreneurship in Luxembourg.

• Oversee and coordinate Startup Luxembourg’s promotion and ecosystem building & development missions in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders, with a strong focus on fostering and nurturing the start-up and scale-up landscape.

• Deliver presentations and participate in national and international fairs to promote the added value of Luxembourg as an attractive location for foreign innovative start-ups and scale-ups.

• Carry out targeted communication actions that respond to start-up and scale-up needs.

Team management

• Plan and organise the team’s daily activities effectively.

• Supervise, provide training and support the development of your team members under your responsibility.

• Assess and evaluate annual performance and work closely with HR to define learning & development plans.

• Ensure clear and efficient communication and information sharing with your N+1.

• Handle administrative management tasks (validations, leaves, home office, reporting, etc.).

• Establish procedures to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the team.

Budgeting and reporting

• Manage and oversee the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual budget, ensuring alignment with Luxinnovation's strategic goals and objectives.

• Coordinate with the finance department to track expenditure, manage forecasts, and ensure compliance with project and activity budgets.

• Monitor and track team members' project hours, providing financial reporting to secure external funding for related projects.

• Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely reporting of project activities and progress to relevant authorities and stakeholders

Develop skills and networks

• Nurture close relationships with key stakeholders within the start-up ecosystem, notably with the Ministry of the Economy, to ensure strategic alignment.

• Identify emerging trends or company needs and collaborate with the relevant teams within Luxinnovation to develop new projects or services for start-ups and scale-ups.

• Lead and/or contribute to the writing, editing and submission of projects for Luxinnovation that are dedicated to supporting the creation and the development of innovative businesses.

• Build and expand networks of experts, including technological and financial partners, investors, and consultants, to support the creation and development of innovative businesses.

• Stay informed about services and initiatives from internal and external stakeholders, identify synergies, and drive collaborative actions.

• Offer expertise and provide support to colleagues on subjects within to your area of expertise.

SKILL AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Mindset is key: open-minded, collaborative, curious, eager to learn and develop, customer and people-centric, leading by example.

• Soft skills: pragmatism, problem-solving and analytical capabilities, strong personal organisation, fast learner, excellent presentation skills.

• Confirmed experience within the Luxembourg start-up ecosystem and innovation & entrepreneurship sphere.

• Proven experience in team management, with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop people.

• Good problem-solving skills, adept at identifying issues and implementing effective solutions to maintain a positive and productive work environment, both internally and with external stakeholders.

• Strong interest in innovation and technologies and passionate about supporting high-growth potential companies.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French. German and/or Luxembourgish are considered as strong assets.

WHY CHOOSE THIS POSITION

• To contribute to a purpose-driven organisation with the objective to foster innovation amongst companies.

• To have the possibility to structure and develop our start-up and scale-up relationship activities and develop your network with various stakeholders, companies and organisations.

• To manage a team of talented and committed professionals.

• To gain in-depth knowledge of Luxembourg’s rapidly evolving business and innovation ecosystem.

• To contribute to the promotion of a wide range of subjects related to business, R&D and innovation.

For internal candidates: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your application online in English (a CV and a 1-page maximum document to explain how you see the future of the Start-Up service and the projects/actions you would implement if you were nominated). In case of questions do not hesitate to contact Daniela or Emilie.

For external candidates: If you are interested in joining us, please submit your application online in English. Any question? Do not hesitate to contact Emilie Zimer, our HR Director (emilie.zimer@luxinnovation.lu).