Partnership Account Manager Europe – Automotive imec

imec is a world‑leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Through a unique combination of deep‑tech R&D, advanced semiconductor infrastructure, and strong industry partnerships, imec accelerates innovation across mobility, healthcare, industry, energy, and beyond. Our automotive activities span advanced CMOS, chiplet architectures, heterogeneous integration, reliability, and edge compute platforms for next‑generation mobility systems.

What you will do

In this role, you will manage multi year collaborations, drive partner engagement across imec’s research programs, and expand imec’s footprint in the rapidly evolving automotive compute and semiconductor ecosystem.

You will act as the primary commercial and strategic interface between imec and its automotive partners, ensuring alignment of roadmaps, successful execution of joint programs, and long term value creation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Management

• Own and manage a portfolio of key European automotive partners across the value chain, serving as their primary point of contact.
• Develop and execute multi‑year account strategies aligned with partner needs and imec’s technology roadmap.
• Drive contract renewals, expansions, and new engagements across imec’s research programs.

• Translate partner requirements into concrete research activities and joint development projects.
• Facilitate roadmap exchanges, technical workshops, and executive steering meetings.
• Ensure partners derive measurable value from imec’s platforms, including advanced CMOS, chiplets, 3D integration, photonics, reliability, and automotive‑grade edge compute.

• Identify, scope and drive business opportunities and expansions, and new program engagements (e.g., ACP, chiplet initiatives, specialty R&D tracks) with strategic customers
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (technical program managers, legal, finance, sector leads) to ensure timely and high‑quality delivery.
• Monitor progress, risks, and deliverables; maintain transparent communication with partners.

• Represent imec in automotive and semiconductor European ecosystems, consortia, and standardization bodies.
• Identify opportunities for imec to influence global standards and strengthen its position in the automotive semiconductor landscape.
• Support imec’s cross‑industry initiatives where automotive‑grade technologies can scale into adjacent markets (Industrial, Robotics, Areospace and Security).

• Track industry trends in automotive compute, zonal architectures, chiplets, AI accelerators, and safety‑critical systems.
• Provide internal intelligence to guide imec’s research strategy and sector positioning.
• Identify new partnership opportunities and emerging market needs.

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field; MBA is an asset.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in semiconductor, automotive electronics, or advanced technology partnerships.
• Proven track record in strategic account management and complex contract negotiation.

• Strong understanding of semiconductor R&D, chiplet architectures, packaging, and automotive compute trends.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business value and articulate imec’s value proposition clearly.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross functional collaboration skills.

• Comfortable working in an international, multi partner environment.
• Willingness to travel in Europe and Globally as needed.