Innovation Manager (Head of Tech Hub Netherlands)
32-40 hr | Leiden | Aerospace sector | Business Development | Start date: to be discussed, as of 15th Sep preferred | Duration: until 31st May 2026 | Extension: to be discussed | Hybrid allowed | Secondment/Freelance

Airbus Netherlands B.V. is looking for an ad-interim Innovation Manager to lead our Airbus Tech Hub in the Netherlands based in Leiden. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and networking skills and a track record in setting up innovation and R&D programs in Aerospace or adjacent sectors.

Company description:

Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, providing products, services and solutions for the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defense and space sectors. In The Netherlands, Airbus has multiple production and office sites, with over 250 FTE of staff combined. Although the majority of these employees focus on delivery of hardware to the space industry (e.g. satellite solar arrays and launcher structures), Airbus Netherlands operates as a cross-divisional entity and supports to strengthen the connection between Dutch players and the various Airbus divisions.

In April 2024, Airbus opened the Airbus Tech Hub in the Netherlands, a platform to catalyze breakthroughs in aerospace research, technology and innovation with the local ecosystem. The Airbus Tech Hub NL connects the global Airbus Research & Technology (R&T) needs with the excellence and the ambitions in the Netherlands and aims to grow the Dutch contribution to the future success of Airbus: more Airbus in NL, more NL in Airbus.

Today, eight enthusiastic innovators form the Tech Hub team at Airbus NL, focusing on the following themes: Future Energy Technologies, Cabin of the Future, Aircraft Operations, Composites and Industrialized systems, Connectivity, Quantum and MRO. Since the launch of the hub, the team has already established a significant portfolio of R&T projects. 

You will lead our Tech Hub team in the Netherlands. You will operationally report to the global Tech Hub organisation that is part of Airbus Group R&T. You will liaise with the Airbus organisation and with partners and government institutions to initiate and shape R&T programmes for the Airbus roadmaps You will oversee the progress of projects in our portfolio and report on those. You will work closely with our communications and Public Affairs staff and with the Managing Director of Airbus NL to bolster support, promote and develop the Tech Hub footprint and create new opportunities.

As a leading Aerospace company Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. Our dynamic team has the privilege of working on the future of the company and of the Aerospace sector as a whole, at the forefront of aerospace technology. We welcome those who share that passion...

Your challenges/tasks:

• Liaise with the Dutch innovation ecosystem to further develop the ambitions of the Tech Hub
• Represent the Airbus R&T Program in The Netherlands, on behalf of the central R&T organization and Airbus divisions
• Manage relationships with partners
• Grow the engagement of Airbus in NL through defining and developing new cooperative programs
• Forge new corporations and cooperation models and establish the appropriate funding schemes, including coordination of relevant project proposals
• Be part of the Global Tech Hub team and keep the activities of Airbus in the Netherlands aligned with the Airbus group's R&T objectives
• Lead the Tech Hub team (8 FTE active on different topics)
• Manage growth and develop the organization

Profile of our ideal candidate:

• Creative networker and experience in the relevant Dutch Aerospace ecosystem
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility and adaptability and communication 
• Strong problem-solving and decision making skills and the ability to lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team as well as gaining the respect and confidence of customers, partners and suppliers.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment both independently and collectively while maintaining focus on the priorities.
• Team player with a positive & collaborative attitude.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)
• Conversant in Dutch
• Available 32-40 hours per week starting preferably September 15th, 2025.

Requirements:

• Proven academic level
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in innovation management
• Familiarity with the Dutch Aerospace ecosystem.
• Residency in, or willing to move to the Netherlands.