Project Manager H/F - Job Opportunity at Edhec Business School

Nice, France
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
EUR 45,000 - 60,000 annually, reflecting the mid-level project management position in the French higher education sector, with potential for performance-based increases given the strategic nature of the AI Center role and the opportunity for rapid advancement

Benefits

Opportunity to shape the foundation of a newly established AI Center as one of the first hires, providing significant career development and leadership experience
Direct reporting relationship to Associate Dean level, offering high-level mentorship and strategic exposure
International collaboration opportunities through partnerships with global institutions and the Responsible AI Consortium
Access to cutting-edge AI research and development projects at the intersection of education and technology
Professional development through involvement in conferences, workshops, and thought leadership initiatives
Multicultural work environment with exposure to diverse academic and industry perspectives

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic execution of AI Center initiatives that position EDHEC as a global leader in responsible AI education, directly impacting the institution's competitive advantage
Transform high-level strategic objectives into measurable project deliverables, establishing operational excellence standards for the newly formed AI Center
Orchestrate complex multi-stakeholder collaborations across academic, research, and industry partners, maximizing synergies and knowledge transfer
Serve as institutional representative in prestigious cross-institutional projects and consortiums, enhancing EDHEC's reputation and network influence
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that drive innovation and funding opportunities for the AI Center's research and educational initiatives
Lead the integration of AI-enhanced curriculum components, revolutionizing pedagogical approaches and student learning outcomes
Manage high-profile events and conferences that establish EDHEC as a thought leader in responsible AI within the global academic community
Build and mentor the next generation of AI education professionals through supervision of junior team members and interns

Requirements

Education

Master's degree or equivalent (Bac+5)

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in project management, planning and execution

Required Skills

Mastery of project management methodologies and tools Data analysis skills Fluent written and spoken English and French Knowledge of and curiosity about artificial intelligence Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills Comfortable working in international and multicultural environments Curiosity and continuous learning Highly organized and deadline and detail oriented Proactive and initiative-driven, ability and desire to work independently Problem-solving mindset Diplomacy and resilience
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The integration of artificial intelligence in higher education is experiencing unprecedented growth, with institutions worldwide investing heavily in AI-enhanced learning platforms, curriculum development, and research centers. This trend is driven by the need to prepare students for an AI-transformed job market and to maintain competitive advantage in the global education sector. Responsible AI has emerged as a critical focus area, with educational institutions taking leadership roles in establishing ethical frameworks and best practices for AI implementation. This positioning creates significant career opportunities for professionals who can bridge technical AI knowledge with educational strategy and policy development. Cross-institutional collaboration and consortium-based research are becoming the dominant models for AI advancement in academia, creating demand for project managers who can navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments and international partnerships.

Role Significance

Initial small team environment with 2-4 direct collaborators, expanding to manage 8-12 team members including faculty, researchers, and support staff as the AI Center grows, with indirect influence over larger project networks spanning multiple institutions
This role represents a senior individual contributor position with significant strategic influence, operating at the intersection of executive strategy and operational implementation. The direct reporting to Associate Dean level and responsibility for shaping a new center indicates substantial organizational trust and career advancement potential.

Key Projects

Multi-institutional research initiatives involving AI avatar implementation across MBA programs with measurable learning outcome assessments Development and launch of AI-enhanced curriculum modules requiring coordination between faculty, technology teams, and external partners Organization and execution of international conferences and symposiums that establish thought leadership in responsible AI education Strategic partnership development projects with industry leaders and academic institutions to create funding and collaboration opportunities

Success Factors

Ability to translate complex AI concepts and academic research into actionable project plans that deliver measurable results while maintaining alignment with institutional strategic objectives Exceptional stakeholder management skills to navigate the unique challenges of academic environments, including faculty autonomy, institutional politics, and varying priorities across departments and partner organizations Cultural adaptability and diplomatic communication skills essential for managing international partnerships and consortium relationships where success depends on building trust and consensus across diverse institutional cultures Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence to establish scalable processes and systems that will support the AI Center's growth from startup phase to established research center Continuous learning mindset and genuine curiosity about AI developments to maintain credibility with technical teams while effectively communicating with non-technical stakeholders and senior leadership

Market Demand

High demand with limited supply of qualified candidates who possess both project management expertise and AI knowledge within the academic context, creating excellent career opportunities and job security

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project management methodology mastery is essential because the role requires establishing scalable systems and processes for a new organization while managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with varying timelines and deliverables. Without strong PM foundations, the AI Center's ambitious goals cannot be achieved. Bilingual French-English fluency is critical for success in this role as it requires seamless communication with international partners, local faculty, and diverse stakeholder groups. The ability to navigate cultural nuances in both languages directly impacts partnership success and project outcomes. Diplomatic and interpersonal skills are fundamental because academic environments require consensus-building and relationship management across diverse personalities, institutional priorities, and cultural backgrounds. Success depends entirely on the ability to influence without direct authority. AI knowledge and curiosity are critical because credibility with technical teams, faculty, and industry partners depends on understanding AI concepts, trends, and implications. Without this foundation, strategic decisions and project planning will lack the depth required for success.

Beneficial Skills

Higher education experience would accelerate success by providing understanding of academic calendars, faculty dynamics, funding mechanisms, and institutional decision-making processes that differ significantly from corporate environments Data analysis capabilities beyond basic requirements would enable more sophisticated project evaluation, research support, and evidence-based decision making that enhances the Center's research credibility and strategic planning International business or cross-cultural management experience would be valuable given the global nature of partnerships and the need to navigate different educational systems, cultural approaches to AI, and varying regulatory environments Event management and conference organization experience would support the Center's thought leadership objectives and help establish EDHEC's position in the global AI education community through successful high-profile events

Unique Aspects

Founding opportunity to shape a new AI Center from the ground up, providing rare experience in organizational development and strategic positioning within a prestigious academic institution
Direct involvement in the Responsible AI Consortium, offering access to cutting-edge research, policy development, and thought leadership opportunities at the intersection of technology and ethics
Integration of research and practical application through avatar-based teaching experiments and other innovative projects that bridge academic theory with real-world implementation
International scope with built-in collaboration across multiple countries and institutions, providing extensive networking and career development opportunities
Strategic timing as AI transforms business education, positioning the role holder as a pioneer in a rapidly growing field with significant career advancement potential

Career Growth

Advancement to senior leadership roles typically occurs within 2-3 years given the rapid growth trajectory of AI initiatives in higher education and the foundational experience gained in this role

Potential Next Roles

Associate Director or Director of AI Center as the organization expands, taking on full operational responsibility and strategic planning authority Program Director roles at other prestigious business schools or academic institutions seeking to establish similar AI initiatives Senior consulting positions with education technology companies or management consulting firms specializing in digital transformation in higher education Leadership roles in international education consortiums or policy organizations focused on AI governance and responsible implementation

Company Overview

Edhec Business School

EDHEC Business School is a prestigious French grande école with international recognition, particularly known for its finance and management programs. The institution has established campuses in multiple countries and maintains strong industry connections, positioning it as a leading player in European business education with global ambitions.

EDHEC ranks among the top business schools in Europe and has achieved significant international accreditation, competing directly with other prestigious institutions like INSEAD, HEC Paris, and international schools. The launch of the AI Center represents a strategic move to maintain competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving business education landscape.
Strong presence in the French Riviera region with the Nice campus offering unique advantages for international collaboration and quality of life, while maintaining connections to major European business centers and providing access to both Mediterranean and broader European markets
Academic environment that values intellectual rigor, international collaboration, and innovation, with emphasis on research excellence and practical application. The culture typically supports professional development, work-life balance, and provides opportunities for international travel and conference participation.
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