Project Lead Security & Defence (Freelance possible)

📋 Tasks and responsibilities

Within strategic initiatives focused on security, defence and resilience, you translate policy and programme objectives into concrete projects, demonstrators and implementation tracks. In this role, you coordinate complex initiatives involving public authorities, defence stakeholders, industry partners and research teams, with the aim of turning innovation and technology into operationally relevant solutions.

• Lead security- and defence-related projects from initiation through implementation and evaluation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams of researchers, engineers, technology specialists and external stakeholders.
• Ensure solid planning, resource allocation, risk control and project governance.
• Track progress, budgets, milestones and deliverables, and support effective decision-making.
• Safeguard alignment between project outcomes and broader strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with public sector organisations, defence actors, industry partners and knowledge institutions.
• Facilitate collaboration between operational users, technology developers and policy stakeholders.
• Act as a key contact for project partners and external stakeholders.
• Organise workshops, demonstrations, validation exercises and other stakeholder engagement activities.
• Translate operational needs and strategic objectives into practical project activities and implementation plans.
• Support the development, validation and deployment of innovative solutions in security and defence environments.
• Help identify operational requirements, implementation bottlenecks and opportunities for impact.
• Ensure proposed solutions meet practical, operational and interoperability requirements.
• Contribute to project proposals and funding initiatives at Flemish, federal and European level.
• Support the creation of consortia and collaborative partnerships.
• Contribute to reporting, programme follow-up and performance monitoring.
• Monitor project quality, delivery effectiveness and overall performance.
• Identify risks and define mitigation actions.
• Promote best practices in project execution, governance and stakeholder collaboration.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management methods and operational processes.

📝 Your profile

• You have proven experience in leading and steering projects.
• You are familiar with project management terminology, organisation, roles and processes.
• You hold a higher education degree at bachelor or master level; a master’s degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Technology, Defence Studies, Logistics, Energy Systems or a related field is particularly relevant.
• You bring extensive experience in managing complex technical projects, programmes or operations.
• You have experience working with public sector organisations, defence organisations or other highly regulated environments.
• You understand the context of security, defence, critical infrastructure and resilience-related environments.
• Experience in the environments in which these projects operate is required.
• Knowledge of critical infrastructure, operational technologies, digital systems, cybersecurity or energy-related environments is a strong advantage.
• Experience with procurement, contract management or technical asset management is considered a strong asset.
• You communicate fluently in Dutch and English; knowledge of French is an asset.

💼 Offer

You will be part of a growing Belgian SME where initiative and personal development are encouraged. We will provide you with an enjoyable work environment with fun colleagues. We will work out a career plan with you, with attention and a budget for extra education/certification. You can count on an attractive salary, supplemented with extra-legal benefits, including a company car.
(Freelance is also possible)