About EUCAR
EUCAR is the European Council for Automotive R&D, representing Europe’s leading passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers. EUCAR facilitates and coordinates pre-competitive collaborative research and innovation, bringing together industry expertise to address key technological and societal challenges in sustainable transport and mobility.
European automotive manufacturers are the largest private investors in R&D in Europe, investing more than €85 billion annually. Through its expert groups and collaborative projects, EUCAR plays a central role in shaping research priorities, aligning industry efforts, and contributing to European innovation policy.
The EUCAR Council is composed of the Heads of Research and Advanced Development of its member companies. To further strengthen its coordination capacity and ensure effective implementation of its research strategy, EUCAR is recruiting a Research Programme Manager to join its Brussels-based team (team of three).
The Role
The Research Programme Manager will play a central role in developing, coordinating and delivering EUCAR’s research priorities at European level.
This is not a newly created position, but a replacement role within an established structure, offering the opportunity to join a well-functioning team while bringing fresh perspective and energy.
Reporting directly to the EUCAR Director, the Research Programme Manager will:
Strategic & Research Coordination
- Coordinate and facilitate EUCAR Expert Groups and Task Forces
- Support the development and delivery of research recommendations
- Ensure alignment between EUCAR’s research strategy, technology roadmaps and ongoing projects
- Translate technical expertise into structured, actionable recommendations
European Research Projects
- Monitor and follow relevant EU research calls and programmes
- Track publicly funded collaborative projects implementing EUCAR priorities
- Support member engagement in EU R&I projects (without directly coordinating projects)
- Use existing knowledge and networks as an asset — while maintaining neutrality between members
Stakeholder & Member Engagement
- Work closely with Expert Group Leaders and Deputy Leaders
- Encourage active involvement of member companies in research initiatives
- Collaborate on topics of common interest with the ACEA team
- Contribute to ensuring coherence between research discussions and broader industry priorities
Profile
We are looking for a professional with:
- 7–10 years of experience in applied and/or industrial research, ideally in transport, mobility, or automotive-related fields
- Solid experience with publicly funded European collaborative research projects
- A university degree in engineering or a related technical field
- Strong programme and project management skills
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); French and/or German are an asset
Experience in European associations, European Technology Platforms (ETPs), or research organisations is highly valued.
What Makes You Successful in This Role
You are someone who:
- Combines technical understanding with coordination and facilitation skills
- Is comfortable bringing together different perspectives and building consensus
- Demonstrates diplomacy and sound judgement
- Is organised, structured and able to manage multiple workstreams
- Thrives in a multicultural, collaborative environment
- Brings constructive transparency and clarity to processes
While the role requires solid experience, it is positioned at a less senior level than previous incumbents, offering room for professional growth and increasing responsibility over time.
Working Environment & Offer
- Small, dynamic Brussels-based team (3 people)
- Close interaction with senior R&D leaders from major automotive companies and the umbrella association (ACEA)
- Exposure to EU research and innovation policy developments
- Competitive compensation package
