EuroCDP FSTP Program Manager

About the role 

The EU Chips Design Platform (EuroCDP) brings together resources and expertise to support Europe’s chip innovators. Its Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) programme will provide €200+ million in grants to European fabless SMEs.

As FSTP Program Manager, you will lead the delivery of the entire program, from call planning to final reporting and closure. You will coordinate partners and specialist teams, oversee the grant portfolio and ensure that funding is managed effectively within the agreed program governance.

What you'll do

In this role, you will combine program leadership with hands-on FSTP management and financial oversight.

You will:

• Lead programme planning and delivery, aligning partners, resources, milestones and responsibilities across the full FSTP programme.
• Coordinate the grant lifecycle, including calls, applicant guidance, eligibility checks, independent evaluations, selection and grant agreements under the agreed governance.
• Oversee the €200 million grant budget, funding commitments, payment schedules and cash-flow forecasts in close cooperation with finance colleagues.
• Coordinate recipient monitoring, progress and deliverable reviews, payment processing, amendments and grant closure with the relevant specialists.
• Establish consistent procedures and controls with legal and finance teams, covering conflicts of interest, financial viability, non-compliance and recovery of funds where required.
• Lead coordination across consortium partners and operational teams, resolving delivery issues and escalating risks and decisions to program governance.
• Act as the main program contact for the funding authority and partners, coordinating reporting, reviews and audit preparation.
• Monitor portfolio performance and programme outcomes, maintain reliable records, and improve processes to provide clear guidance and timely support to SMEs.
  
  

Why this role is unique

You will help turn a major European funding program into practical support for fabless SMEs. The role offers:

• Responsibility for coordinating a €200+ million grant programme.
• Direct impact on the development and growth of European chip companies.
• Collaboration with European funding bodies, program partners and innovative SMEs.
• The opportunity to shape how a major FSTP programme operates.
• The reputation, expertise and global reach of imec behind you.

You will bring the grant-management expertise, supported by colleagues with specialist semiconductor knowledge.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

We are looking for an experienced program leader with practical FSTP expertise and the judgement to manage a large European grant portfolio. You bring:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience administering FSTP or cascade-funding schemes is essential, including launching calls and managing grants to third-party recipients.
• A proven track record of leading complex European funding programmes or substantial grant portfolios, with strong budget management and financial oversight.
• Practical knowledge of grant agreements, recipient monitoring, reporting, audit requirements and risk controls.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to coordinate partners and multidisciplinary teams across countries.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in programme management, business, finance, law, engineering or a related field.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of your time, mostly within Europe.
• Excellent English communication skills and the ability to explain funding requirements clearly to SMEs, partners and decision-makers.

It is an asset if you also bring:

• Experience working with innovative SMEs, startups or deep-tech funding programmes.
• Familiarity with grant-management systems and portfolio reporting tools.
• An existing network within European innovation funding or the semiconductor ecosystem.
• Knowledge of chip design, semiconductor development or fabless business models. This is a plus, not a requirement.

If you bring the essential FSTP experience but do not meet every other requirement, we would still welcome your application.