Project Manager for the Development of the Multidisciplinary Academic Institute for Ecological and Societal Transition (M/F) – Ref 1224

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school which awards degrees to engineers, Master’s students and PhD candidates upon completion of academic programmes based on the very latest developments in science and technology and on best management practices.

As a member of the Groupe des Écoles Centrales (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selective students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has over 2,250 students, 500 staff members and 600 part-time lecturers.

Job description:

To support the establishment of this Institute, we are seeking an experienced candidate with a track record in leading strategic, multi-stakeholder projects for a 12-month fixed-term contract, capable of transforming a vision into a structured and unifying project. You are comfortable working in complex environments and know how to engage communities, build partnerships and facilitate dialogue between stakeholders from the worlds of research, higher education, business and local authorities.

Your main responsibilities will be as follows:

• To structure the governance and organisation of the Institute: to define how its governing bodies operate, the Institute’s position within Centrale Nantes, and its interactions with the laboratories, departments and the Centrale Nantes Foundation.

• Leading the development of the scientific roadmap: facilitating a collective approach, identifying scientific and educational priorities, establishing a monitoring system and defining the arrangements for academic coordination.

• Building a sustainable business model: developing growth scenarios and a multi-year budget, structuring the funding strategy and developing partnership opportunities in collaboration with the Foundation.

• Uniting and mobilising the ecosystem: identifying founding partners and building a community around the Institute, in collaboration with businesses, local authorities and partner networks.

• Preparing for the Institute’s operational launch: leading its communication and outreach strategy, organising pre-launch events and defining the operational arrangements for both the pilot and long-term phases.

Knowledge:

• Higher education, research and innovation: research and innovation policies; the organisation and functioning of higher education and public research; knowledge of the institution’s objectives and projects.

• Partnerships and negotiation: negotiation techniques; contract law; knowledge of the professional environment and networks.

• Development and management: general budgetary knowledge, marketing.

• Languages: English at level B2 to C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Operational skills:

• Leadership and advisory support: leading projects, supporting decision-making, developing and monitoring performance evaluation systems.

• Partnerships and facilitation: facilitating networks and groups, initiating and leading partnerships, representing the institution in dealings with its partners.

• Negotiation and development: conducting negotiations, developing projects and demonstrating initiative.

• Monitoring and coordination: monitoring developments, coordinating and managing internal/external service providers

Behavioural skills:

• Ability to conceptualise and think ahead

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across departments

• Ability to facilitate dialogue between stakeholders from diverse professional backgrounds

• Ability to mobilise, unite and sustain commitment over the long term

• A proactive approach to listening, facilitating and mediating

• Ability to explain complex issues clearly and build consensus

Required qualifications: You will hold a higher education qualification in Engineering or Management (Bac+5 or equivalent) and have over 10 years’ professional experience, particularly in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects, coordinating networks or leading change. Experience in higher education and research, or in a comparable environment, is desirable. Knowledge of local stakeholders involved in sustainable development and of community facilitation would be an asset.

What we offer:

• 12-month fixed-term contract – open to contract staff and civil servants

• Category A – Research Engineer

• Full-time role – based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Flexible working patterns (option to work a 4.5-day week)

• RTT + additional leave

• Occasional travel to be expected

• Remote working possible

• Remote working allowance

• Free parking

• 75% travel allowance

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or car-sharing)

• Compulsory health insurance & optional personal protection insurance

Remuneration: in accordance with the State civil service pay scales

Position available: October 2026

HR contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager contact: Emmanuel ROZIERE

This advert refers to terms such as ‘candidate’, ‘engineer’, ‘manager’, etc. These titles are to be understood as gender-neutral and apply equally to women and men.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In line with our organisation’s CSR commitments, this vacancy is open to all.