Director IT & Digitalization

Eureka is the world’s largest public network for international cooperation in research, development, and innovation, comprising 47 countries and the European Commission. Since 1985, it has supported over 7,000 commercialized innovations, boosting economic growth and industry competitiveness. Eureka funds companies, universities, and research organizations through various programmes focused on civilian R&D.The Eureka Secretariat, based in Brussels, manages strategic operations, IT platforms, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. It is currently seeking a Director IT & Digitalization to lead a team of six, drive digital transformation, oversee IT infrastructure and data management, and align technology with Eureka’s strategic goals. This is a new full-time leadership role, reporting to the Director General.Director IT & DigitalizationThe Director IT & Digitalization will lead the creation and execution of a strategic IT and digitalization plan aligned with Eureka’s goals. Key responsibilities include modernizing infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, and enabling data-driven decision-making. The role involves close collaboration with internal teams, network representatives, and external partners to improve digital workflows and user experience.As a visionary and inclusive leader, the Director will build a high-performing team, drive organizational change, and foster a culture of continuous technological innovation. They will champion customer-centric digital solutions and engage Eureka’s diverse, multicultural stakeholders.Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & VisionDefine and implement the IT vision and digital strategy aligned with business objectives. Lead in alignment with organizational values and ensure IT contributes to organization-wide strategy.Develop and maintain a long-term technology roadmap that supports organizational goals.Ensure cross-departmental alignment by implementing a One IT and One Data approach that standardizes processes, fosters integration, and ensures consistency across all technology and data domains.Align technology choices and system architectures to ensure compatibility and scalability.Support the Director General and Executive Board with structured strategic input and reporting.Innovation, R&D & Continuous ImprovementFoster a culture of innovation and continuous learning across IT teams. Encourage experimentation and safe-to-fail initiatives for rapid learning. Implement frameworks for data-driven decision-making, systematic problem-solving, and continuous improvement.Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities.Create and manage innovative labs or pilot projects to test and validate new solutions.Program & Project GovernanceWith the support of the team oversee and coordinate multiple Agile projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget.Prioritize initiatives and resources based on strategic value and organizational goals.Manage dependencies between projects and teams to ensure coherence and efficiency.Oversee project planning, budgeting, and performance tracking against KPIs.Identify, assess, and mitigate risks with contingency planning and continuous monitoring.Lead enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, including risk mitigation, data protection, and disaster recovery planning.Ensure systematic reporting on progress, risks, and results to Network representatives and senior leadership.Data Management & ComplianceOversee organizational data strategy, ensuring consistency, integrity, and alignment with information management practices across systems.Act as a key partner and advisor in the organization’s information management framework, ensuring that data governance and technology are closely integrated.Promote data consolidation and integration across systems to enable coherent, organization-wide information flows.Ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations in coordination with the DPO.People & Performance ManagementProvide clear direction, objectives, and measurable targets for the IT team.Manage line reports and evaluate staff performance annually.Ensure knowledge retention, structured handovers, and efficient knowledge management.Promote teamwork, collaboration, and transparent communication across departments.Maintain a supportive, professional, and trusting team culture.Encourage continuous learning through training, coaching, and mentorship programs.Ensure fair workload distribution and staff satisfaction.Financial & Administrative ManagementOversee IT financial management by planning and monitoring budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness of investments, and maintaining alignment with organizational priorities and the approved business plan.Manage software licenses, vendor contracts, and external agencies.Communication & Stakeholder EngagementMaintain regular communication and reporting to senior management and stakeholders within the Network.Promote cross-departmental collaboration and information sharing for IT and data-related matters.Coordinate with other departments to ensure business alignment.Ensure transparency, accountability and accessibility of IT decisions and progress reports.Profile and RequirementsExperienceRelevant professional experience of at least 10 years with five years in IT leadership role(s). Experience from public and international non-profit sector is an advantage.Demonstrated strategic leadership of digital transformation across international, multi-unit organizations, Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and delivering complex, large-scale technology projects. Proven experience developing and implementing digital transformation or technology strategiesCustomer-focused mindset with a commitment to enhancing digital services across diverse multi-cultural user groups.Skilled in stakeholder engagement, change management, and effective communication.Proficient in project and program management methodologies. (Certification in this area would be an asset).Strong background in Solution development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and data management.Strong foundation in data strategy, governance, and AI/ML applications.In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, business support systems, and cybersecurity best practices.Experience managing Agile or hybrid project environments.Strong vendor and budget management experience required.Technical CompetenciesBroad knowledge of IT infrastructure (cloud, on-premise, hybrid environments).Solid understanding of customised solution development approaches, including high-code and low-code environments, and familiarity with modern development frameworks and lifecycle management practices.Solid expertise and extensive experience in enterprise applications (CRM, ERP, Data Lakehouse, analytics tools).Strong grasp of cybersecurity principles and data protection standards (GDPR, NIS2).Familiarity with innovation frameworks, digital product development, and emerging technologies.Leadership & Soft SkillsAn excellent communicator with fluency in written and spoken English.Strategic and analytical thinker with strong decision-making ability.Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.Strong reporting and presentation capabilities, including document production, data visualization, and executive-level communication.Confident public speaker, able to represent IT initiatives and strategies effectively across organizational forums and external engagements.Proven leadership in building and motivating high-performing teams.Expertise in change management and driving cultural and digital transformation.Skilled in Innovation Management, promoting user-centered solutions and cross-functional collaboration. Certification in this area would be an asset.Confident with Agility (Scrum) and Lean principles, fostering continuous improvement, efficiency, and value-driven delivery.Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and collaboration.Willingness to travel abroad occasionally (approximately 3–4 times per year).Education We are looking for candidates with a university degree at Master’s level, preferably in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Applicants with formal background in other disciplines are also welcome to apply, provided they bring strong professional experience in IT, digital solutions or technology management. What matters the most is your ability to understand and lead digital initiatives in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder, international environment. What we offerContract: Full-time, open-ended position under Belgian employment law and tax system. Compensation: Salary based on experience and qualifications, competitively positioned. Benefits: Includes flexible work options, home-office allowance, generous leave, pension, hospital insurance, meal vouchers, and mobility budget. Work environment: Diverse international team of 35+ from 16 countries, based in a modern Brussels office near the EU quarter. Values: Eureka fosters trust, transparency, creativity, autonomy, collaboration, diversity, and work-life balance. Start date: As soon as possible.Application processTo apply, please submit your CV and motivation letter via the APPLY button. By applying, you agree to the verification of your diplomas and references. Applicants must have the legal right to work in Belgium (EU/EEA citizenship or valid Belgian work permit).Deadline: Sunday 7 December 2025, 23:59 (CET).The Eureka Network is an equal-opportunity employer.