Industry Relationship and Innovation Manager (m/f)

We are looking for an ambitious Industry Relationship and Innovation Manager to help expand MARBLE’s collaboration with industry and turn advanced research into real-world impact. The Industry Relationship and Innovation Manager will play a key role in developing industry partnerships, commercial projects, and innovation initiatives. The position involves identifying new collaboration opportunities, engaging with decision-makers in industry and public-sector organizations, shaping value propositions, and supporting the creation of new technology ventures emerging from MARBLE. This role requires a proactive individual with strong communication and relationship-building skills, capable of connecting research capabilities with real market needs. Workplace: CoE MARBLE – Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy, Froudeova ulica 13, 10020 Zagreb Key responsibilities: - Identify and develop new collaboration opportunities with industry partners, public-sector organizations, and other stakeholders relevant to MARBLE - Proactively identify target organizations, decision makers, and potential customers, and initiate contact with them - Present MARBLE’s capabilities, technologies, and infrastructure to potential partners and customers - Develop value propositions that connect MARBLE’s expertise with industry needs - Initiate and support commercial collaborations, contract research projects, and innovation partnerships - Support the development of MARBLE’s innovation pipeline, including identification and evaluation of new technology-based business ideas - Contribute to venture building activities, including validation of market opportunities and support for spin-offs or technology commercialization - Build and maintain long-term relationships with industry partners and other stakeholders - Work closely with MARBLE researchers and engineers to translate technical capabilities into market-relevant solutions - Support preparation of collaborative research and innovation proposals involving industry partners where relevant - Represent MARBLE at industry events, conferences, and meetings - Other responsibilities defined by the Associate Director for Business

Candidates’ profile: - Minimum of a Master’s degree in engineering, science, business administration, innovation management, or a related field - Experience in business development, industry collaboration, innovation management, or technology commercialization, preferably in technology-intensive environments - Ability to translate technical capabilities and research results into clear value propositions for industry partners and customers - Ability to engage with engineers, researchers, and technical decision makers and discuss technology at a credible level - Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills - Strong relationship-building abilities and the capacity to develop long-term partnerships with industry stakeholders - Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and opportunity-oriented approach - Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team - Excellent written and spoken English Preferred qualifications: - Experience working in research organizations or deep-tech companies - Existing industry network in maritime, robotics, offshore, or blue economy sectors - Driver’s license: B category