Manager Technology Partnerships - Job Opportunity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Eindhoven, Netherlands
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 110,000 per year based on the senior management level, specialized partnership management expertise, international scope of responsibilities, and the Netherlands market rates for similar roles in multinational technology companies

Benefits

Standard office hours providing excellent work-life balance in a competitive market where many technology roles demand extended hours
Office-based environment offering direct collaboration opportunities and professional networking within a global technology leader
Exposure to worldwide scope of operations providing international experience and career advancement opportunities
Access to cutting-edge research and development across multiple business segments including semiconductor, materials science, and life sciences

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development and management of MSD collaboration pipeline across global operations, directly impacting the company's innovation roadmap and competitive positioning
Drive business growth through identification and execution of public-private partnership subsidy projects, securing external funding and resources for R&D initiatives
Provide strategic outside-in market insights to executive leadership, influencing product development roadmaps and long-term business strategy
Establish and maintain high-level relationships with government officials and consortium partners across EU and national programs, positioning the company as a key industry player
Coordinate complex multi-site, multi-cultural project teams across Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, and USA, ensuring alignment with global business objectives
Lead proposal development and presentation efforts for major funding initiatives including Horizon Europe, CHIPS JU, and EUREKA programs
Ensure robust internal decision-making processes for collaboration investments, balancing risk and opportunity across multiple business segments
Serve as primary liaison between business segments and innovation departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and knowledge transfer

Requirements

Education

Master Degree or PhD in Science, Technology or Engineering, or equivalent

Experience

Consistent success in relevant functions or roles. Practiced in management of innovative projects, collaborations or subsidy projects, or similar

Required Skills

Builds relations, credibility, trust, and respect throughout the organization Excellent communicator, comfortable with a broad portfolio of relationships Capability to interact with (national and EU) government officials Effective in an international multi-site, multi-cultural, multi-time-zone environment Skilled in project management, explaining business rationales and concluding agreements Exhibits intellectual curiosity combined with emotional intelligence (EQ) Proficient verbal, presentation and written skills in English Experience of Business Development and working with legal and IP departments on contracting is a plus Familiarity with electron microscopy is welcome Dutch being helpful
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The scientific instrumentation and life sciences industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased R&D investment in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and advanced materials research. This growth is particularly pronounced in Europe where government funding through programs like Horizon Europe has reached record levels, creating substantial opportunities for companies that can effectively navigate public-private partnerships. The semiconductor industry's expansion, particularly in Europe's push for technological sovereignty, is driving demand for advanced analytical instruments and creating new collaboration opportunities between equipment manufacturers and research institutions. Digital transformation in scientific research is accelerating the need for integrated solutions that combine hardware, software, and data analytics. Companies like Thermo Fisher are increasingly focusing on collaborative ecosystems rather than standalone products, making partnership management roles critical for competitive advantage. The trend toward open innovation and shared research platforms is creating new business models where success depends heavily on strategic partnerships and consortium participation. Regulatory changes and increased emphasis on sustainability in scientific research are driving demand for more efficient and environmentally conscious laboratory solutions. This is creating opportunities for companies that can demonstrate innovation through collaborative R&D projects, particularly those funded through government sustainability initiatives. The growing importance of ESG criteria in corporate evaluation is making participation in public-private partnerships not just strategically valuable but essential for maintaining market position.

Role Significance

Likely manages a team of 5-8 partnership specialists and project managers across multiple regions, with matrix management responsibilities for larger project teams during major consortium initiatives
Senior management role with significant strategic impact, evidenced by direct interaction with executive leadership, responsibility for influencing company roadmaps, and authority over multi-million euro partnership decisions. The role requires managing relationships at the highest levels of government and industry, indicating substantial organizational trust and responsibility.

Key Projects

Leading participation in Horizon Europe framework programs with budgets ranging from 5-50 million euros Managing CHIPS Joint Undertaking initiatives related to European semiconductor technology development Coordinating Innovative Health Initiative partnerships for life sciences applications Developing bilateral collaboration agreements with major research institutions and government laboratories Overseeing technology transfer partnerships with universities and research organizations

Success Factors

Deep understanding of European Union funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks is essential for identifying and securing profitable partnership opportunities. Success requires the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic processes while maintaining focus on commercial objectives and strategic alignment with company goals. Exceptional relationship management capabilities across diverse stakeholder groups including government officials, academic researchers, industry partners, and internal executives. The ability to build trust and credibility quickly in multicultural environments is critical for securing partnership agreements and maintaining long-term collaborative relationships. Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence in project management, particularly the ability to balance multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while ensuring each receives appropriate attention and resources. Success requires understanding both the technical aspects of partnerships and their commercial implications. Cultural intelligence and communication skills necessary for operating effectively across European markets with different business practices, regulatory environments, and communication styles. The ability to adapt approach based on local customs while maintaining consistent strategic objectives is essential for success.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased government funding for R&D collaborations, growing importance of public-private partnerships in technology development, and the specialized skill set required to manage complex international partnerships

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Government relations and public policy expertise is absolutely essential for success in this role, as the primary responsibility involves navigating complex European Union funding mechanisms and building relationships with government officials. Understanding bureaucratic processes, regulatory requirements, and political dynamics is crucial for identifying opportunities and securing partnerships. This skill set is increasingly valuable as government funding for R&D continues to grow and becomes more competitive. Strategic business development capabilities combined with technical understanding of scientific instrumentation markets is critical for identifying partnership opportunities that align with company objectives. The ability to evaluate potential collaborations from both technical and commercial perspectives ensures that partnerships deliver measurable value and support long-term business growth. Cross-cultural communication and relationship management skills are essential for operating effectively across diverse European markets and building trust with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. Success requires the ability to adapt communication styles while maintaining authentic relationships with partners, government officials, and internal stakeholders across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.

Beneficial Skills

Intellectual property and legal contracting experience becomes increasingly valuable as partnerships become more complex and involve significant technology transfer components. Understanding IP strategy and negotiation principles helps ensure that partnerships protect company interests while enabling successful collaboration. Digital transformation and data analytics knowledge is becoming more important as scientific partnerships increasingly involve data sharing, cloud-based collaboration platforms, and integrated software solutions. Understanding these trends helps identify partnership opportunities that align with market evolution and customer needs. Sustainability and ESG expertise is growing in importance as government funding increasingly emphasizes environmental impact and sustainable development goals. Understanding these trends helps position partnerships to meet evolving criteria and demonstrates alignment with societal priorities.

Unique Aspects

Role offers rare combination of high-level government relations, international business development, and cutting-edge technology exposure across multiple scientific disciplines. This unique positioning provides exceptional career development opportunities and industry network building potential.
Direct involvement in shaping European technology policy and funding priorities through participation in major government initiatives like CHIPS JU and Horizon Europe. This level of policy influence is uncommon in corporate roles and provides significant professional prestige and career advancement potential.
Exposure to emerging technologies across semiconductor, life sciences, and materials science sectors provides comprehensive understanding of scientific instrumentation markets and technology trends. This broad exposure is valuable for future executive positions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
International scope with responsibility for coordinating activities across multiple European countries and the United States provides global perspective and cross-cultural leadership experience that is highly valued in executive roles.

Career Growth

Career progression to director level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the strategic nature of the role and international experience gained, with VP-level positions achievable within 5-7 years based on performance and business growth

Potential Next Roles

Director of Strategic Partnerships with expanded responsibility for global partnership strategy and larger team management Vice President of Business Development focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances Country Manager or Regional Director role leveraging international experience and government relations expertise Chief Innovation Officer position combining partnership experience with broader R&D leadership responsibilities

Company Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in scientific instrumentation, reagents, consumables, software, and services, serving customers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, and industrial markets. The company has built its market position through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, creating a comprehensive portfolio of scientific solutions that spans from basic research to clinical diagnostics and manufacturing.

Market leader in life sciences tools and services with over $40 billion in annual revenue, consistently ranked among the top scientific instrument companies globally. The company's strong financial position and broad product portfolio provide stability and resources for significant R&D investments and strategic partnerships.
Strong European presence with Eindhoven serving as a key technology hub for electron microscopy and materials analysis solutions. The Netherlands location provides strategic access to European research institutions, government funding programs, and serves as a gateway to broader European markets.
Large corporation culture emphasizing scientific excellence, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The company's focus on enabling customer success creates a mission-driven environment where employees can see direct impact of their work on scientific advancement and societal benefit.
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