Innovation Exploitation Manager

Barcelona, Spain

Application deadline: 23 September 2026 at 17:00 (Barcelona time)

Who are we?

EIT Urban Mobility is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union and Europe's largest network for transport innovation in cities.

Our mission is to accelerate change towards a sustainable model of urban mobility and liveable urban spaces. We connect public and private actors and provide them with access to markets, talent, finance and knowledge.

Using cities as living labs, our industry, research and university partners will demonstrate how new technologies can work to solve real problems in real cities by transporting people, goods and waste in smarter ways.

Join our team and be part of the change!

Be part of a team where:

The Horizon Lab supports EIT Urban Mobility and its partners in identifying, securing and delivering externally funded research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and other European and international funding programmes. It provides support throughout the project lifecycle, from identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive proposals to managing collaborative projects and maximising the exploitation, transfer and scaling of their results. Working across EIT Urban Mobility’s innovation ecosystem, the Horizon Lab strengthens the organisation’s position as a trusted partner in European research and innovation.

The Innovation Exploitation Manager leads the Horizon Lab’s Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Team (C&D&E Team) and is responsible for ensuring that externally funded projects generate tangible value beyond their formal delivery. The role combines team leadership with hands-on responsibility for proposal development, innovation management, project delivery and the exploitation and scaling of project results.

Working closely with the Head of Horizon Lab, the Innovation Exploitation Manager also supports the strategic development of the Horizon Lab by strengthening strategic partnerships, identifying relevant funding opportunities and continuously improving the methodologies, knowledge and capabilities that underpin successful proposal development and project implementation. The role also works closely with the Climate Neutrality Team and other EIT Urban Mobility teams to connect project results with wider innovation programmes, services and market opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

Lead and develop the Horizon Lab’s C&D&E Team, setting priorities, allocating resources and fostering a collaborative and high-performing working environment.
Support the Head of Horizon Lab in programme planning, portfolio development and the continuous improvement of the Lab’s value proposition.
Lead and contribute directly to the development of proposals under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and other European funding programmes.
Shape strong project concepts and consortia and support the Head of Horizon Lab in the strategic development of proposals under different European funding programmes, ensuring alignment with sustainable urban mobility challenges and EIT Urban Mobility’s priority domains.
Ensure that proposals and projects incorporate robust and practical approaches to innovation exploitation, communication, dissemination and impact.
Provide oversight of communication, dissemination and exploitation activities across the Horizon Lab project portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery and effective monitoring of project performance, risks, budgets and forecasts, in collaboration with the project managers and Grant Financial Officer.
Drive the continuous improvement of the Horizon Lab's knowledge management and upscaling framework, including approaches and methodologies for innovation exploitation, upscaling and knowledge transfer.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with cities, public authorities, industry, research organisations and European mobility networks, representing EIT Urban Mobility in European projects.
Identify relevant funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that support the Horizon Lab's objectives and maintain a high-quality portfolio of externally funded projects.
Work closely with the Horizon Lab's Climate Neutrality Team and other business units to develop integrated offers that maximise the exploitation, transfer, scaling and long-term impact of Horizon Europe project results, combining research excellence with innovation management and the deployment of innovative mobility solutions.

What you will bring along the way:

An ideal candidate is passionate about accelerating innovation that enhances urban mobility and quality of life across European cities, combining strategic thinking, strong leadership and a deep understanding of the European research and innovation landscape with the ability to build partnerships and inspire multidisciplinary teams.

Must-have:

Master's degree in Innovation Management, Engineering, Business, Public Policy, Urban Mobility or another relevant discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in European research and innovation, innovation management, sustainable urban mobility or a related field.
Strong track record in preparing and coordinating successful collaborative European funding proposals, particularly under Horizon Europe.
Strong understanding of Horizon Europe proposal development, project implementation and requirements related to impact and exploitation.
Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable urban mobility, European innovation ecosystems and emerging mobility trends, with the ability to translate policy and market developments into competitive research and innovation proposals.
Experience overseeing European-funded projects, including budgets, contractual obligations and quality delivery.
Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and represent EIT Urban Mobility externally.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing small multidisciplinary teams within international, multicultural and matrix organisations.
Excellent written and spoken English (minimum C1).

Nice-to-have:

Experience developing services or offers based on the results of European-funded projects.
Knowledge of innovation readiness, market uptake or scaling methodologies.
Professional proficiency in an additional European language.

What's in it for you:

Work in an international environment with a company culture focused on empowerment, thriving and continuous growth.
Join a creative and diverse team of highly driven individuals that take out-of-the-box thinking to another level.
Strike the right Work-life balance: On top of the flexible hours and remote working options and facilities, you will be granted 27 days of paid time-off to rest and re-energize.
A yearly training catalogue to support your career development.
Work-from-home IT setup (laptop, screen, headsets).
A tax benefit powered by Cobee, allowing you to save on your personal income tax.
A Private health insurance borne by the Company.
Work in a modern, flexible and collaborative workspace, located in the 22@ area.
Bike to work and park safely in our premises.

Kindly note that this is a permanent and full-time position and it is based in Barcelona.

Possibility to homework 2 days a week.

No relocation expenses are granted.