Innovation & Business Development Manager (Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, A Coruña)

FEUGA. Fundación Empresa Universidad Gallega; Santiago de Compostela; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model (up to 2 days/week)

Flexible working hours

Summer schedule

Friday afternoons off

Professional development

Participation in national and European

Job summary

FEUGA. Fundación Empresa Universidad Gallega is seeking an Innovation Manager to design, develop and implement innovation projects and services across regional, national and international levels.

The role covers innovation management, technology valorisation, and strategy, working with companies, research centers and universities to identify opportunities and drive market uptake of innovations. The successful candidate will combine project execution with business development, engage diverse

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in innovation management, technology transfer, consultancy, or entrepreneurship support.
• Fluent in English and Spanish (C1 level).
• Knowledge of European, national and regional R&D and innovation funding programmes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support innovation, technology valorisation and market uptake activities within R&D and innovation projects.
• Conduct market analysis, competitor benchmarking and innovation intelligence studies.
• Assist in preparation and review of innovation proposals, including impact assessment and business models.
• Support business development activities, including client identification and commercial proposals.
• Represent the organization at innovation, technology transfer and business networking events.
• Identify funding, collaboration and service opportunities aligned with growth objectives.
• Contribute to entrepreneurship, acceleration and mentoring programmes for start-ups and spin-offs.

Skills

Innovation management

Business development

R&D project management

Stakeholder engagement

Technology valorisation

Market analysis

Entrepreneurship support

Education

STEM Bachelor degree

Master/PhD in Innovation Management (adv.)

Job description

Role Summary

The Innovation Manager will support the design, development and implementation of innovation projects and services at regional, national and international level.

The role covers innovation management, technology valorisation, competitive intelligence, entrepreneurship support, proposal development, sustainability assessment and innovation strategy. The successful candidate will work with companies, research centres, universities, start-ups and public institutions to identify opportunities, drive innovation processes and support the market uptake of innovative solutions.

The position requires knowledge of innovation ecosystems and funding programmes, strong analytical and communication skills, business-oriented thinking, and the ability to work in multidisciplinary and international environments.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and entrepreneurial professional who enjoys combining project execution with client engagement and business development activities. The ideal candidate is curious about emerging technologies, comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders, and motivated to transform innovation opportunities into impactful projects and services.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working model (up to 2 days/week remote).
• Collaborative and supportive work environment, featuring flexible working hours, intensive summer schedules, and free Friday afternoons throughout the year.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Participation in national and international innovation initiatives.
• Salary according to experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Support innovation, technology valorisation and market uptake activities within R&D and innovation projects. Assess technologies, innovations and business opportunities for potential deployment and commercialisation.
• Conduct market analysis, competitor benchmarking and innovation intelligence studies.
• Support the preparation and review of innovation proposals, including state-of-the-art analysis, impact assessment, business models and exploitation pathways.
• Support business development activities, including identification of potential clients, preparation of commercial proposals and development of strategic partnerships.
• Contribute to entrepreneurship, acceleration and mentoring programmes for start-ups and spin-offs.
• Identify funding, collaboration and service opportunities aligned with organisational growth objectives.
• Represent the organisation at innovation, technology transfer and business networking events.

Requirements

• STEM Bachelor degree. PhD or Master Degree in Innovation Management will be considered advantageous.
• 2-5 years of experience in innovation management, technology transfer, business development, consultancy, R&D project management or entrepreneurship support.
• Demonstrated interest in both project delivery and business development activities.
• Knowledge of European, national and regional R&D and innovation ecosystems and funding programmes.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish (C1 level).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under deadlines.
• Availability to travel and driving licence.

Valuable Knowledge

• Technology scouting and competitive intelligence.
• Experience in proposal preparation, and/or evaluation of public funding programmes (Horizon Europe, AEI PdC, ERC PoC, EIC Transition, I3, EIE, Innovation Fund…) is highly valued.
• Intellectual property management, technology transfer and innovation exploitation, Business modelling and financial prospections.
• Knowledge of customer discovery methodologies, Lean Startup, Business Model Canvas or innovation management frameworks.
• Experience interacting with industrial clients, start-ups or technology-based companies.
• Sustainability assessment, ESG and circular economy approaches.

At FEUGA, we firmly believe that equal opportunities are the foundation of a more innovative and fairer society. We work to build an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can develop their potential and contribute their talents without barriers or discrimination.

Our recruitment processes are guided by the principles of fairness and transparency, without distinction based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, origin, age, religion or disability.

Because only through equality can we continue to drive the knowledge and innovation that power FEUGA, we want you on our team.