R&D Junior Project Manager

Mission

Join RINA Consulting S.p.A. as an R&D Junior Project Manager and play a crucial role in managing European-funded Research and Development projects that drive the green transition across various sectors including manufacturing, energy, automotive, and health. In this role, you will lead the entire lifecycle from proposal development to project delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance with funding requirements, all while fostering innovation and impactful outcomes. #LI-MB4

Key Accountabilities

1. Opportunity Scouting and Sector Analysis:
   You will collaborate closely with senior consultants and interdisciplinary teams to identify promising European-funded R&D opportunities within engineering and related sectors. This includes conducting thorough analyses of project calls, eligibility criteria, and funding mechanisms to ensure a strategic fit and high feasibility of proposals.
2. Consortium Formation Support:
   Facilitating the establishment of strong project consortia will be key. You will support outreach efforts to identify and engage potential partners, ranging from academic institutions and research entities to industrial players and technology providers, ensuring complementary expertise and capabilities are brought together.
3. Proposal Development and Coordination:
   Working alongside senior consultants, you will contribute substantially to the drafting and refinement of project proposals. This includes ensuring that proposals meet technical requirements, align with financial frameworks, and comply with regulatory standards, optimizing the chances for successful funding.
4. Comprehensive Project Management:
   Once projects are underway, you will oversee their implementation by developing detailed project plans aligned with objectives and funding criteria. Responsibilities include resource allocation, budget management, timeline adherence, and risk mitigation strategies to assure effective execution and delivery of milestones.
5. Leadership and Team Collaboration:
   You will lead cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams by promoting collaboration and innovation. Establishing clear communication channels and motivating stakeholders are critical to achieving project goals and fostering a productive working environment.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
   Your role involves facilitating transparent and regular communication between RINA Consulting, consortium members, and funding bodies. Building and maintaining strong relationships will enhance project alignment and overall success.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
   Ensuring strict adherence to European funding regulations and contractual obligations is paramount. You will assist in preparing comprehensive progress reports, working closely with financial managers and senior consultants to maintain compliance and financial integrity.
8. Risk Identification and Mitigation:
   You will proactively identify potential risks impacting project timelines, budgets, or deliverables. Supporting the development and implementation of mitigation strategies will be essential to manage and minimize adverse effects, promoting project resilience.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where contributing to sustainable development through innovative R&D projects is a daily objective. The role requires up to 25% travel and offers collaboration across offices located in Genoa and Rome, Italy.

Education

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, Information, or Energy Engineering disciplines to ensure a strong technical foundation.
• PhD holders or candidates with a minimum of 1 year of experience in managing European and international R&D projects and proposal development will be highly valued.
• Experience or strong interest in domains such as energy systems, renewable gases, and biofuels production is advantageous, aligning with the company's green transition priorities.
• Proven knowledge of European funding frameworks and requirements, with a solid grasp of project management methodologies.
• Competencies include strategic thinking, sustainability commitment, adaptability to change, emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, trust-building, and a client-focused approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to manage diverse teams and stakeholder relationships with professionalism and respect.
• Fluency in English and Italian is expected, along with proficiency in project management software and standard office tools.
• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and ethical responsibility.

Competencies