Program Manager (M/F) – reference: 1282

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, master’s students and PhD candidates following academic programmes based on the 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 selected 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 staff.

KIVO is the joint academic incubator of Centrale Nantes, Audencia and Nantes Université. Since 2013, it has supported more than 170 projects, leading to the creation of more than 140 companies and generating more than 1,600 jobs. A generalist incubator with a strong Deep Tech focus, KIVO runs two main programs: Launch (6 months, seed stage) and Accelerate (12 to 24 months, commercialization). KIVO has received several national recognitions: BPI France (Deep Tech incubator), Impact France and the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Greentech label).

Job description:

Within the incubator, you will work in tandem with another Program Manager, under the supervision of the Incubator Director.

Your mission will be to ensure the smooth running of the support programs, as well as the sourcing and follow-up of the supported startups.

Your responsibilities

Programs

• Deploy one or more support programs

• Contribute to the development of new programs

• Source startups and take part in the selection process

Startup support

• Provide one-to-one follow-up of a portfolio of startups

• Develop and run the network of mentors, experts and funders for the benefit of the supported startups

• Connect incubated startups with the local and national ecosystem

Community and events

• Contribute to animating the KIVO community

• Put forward ideas on the events strategy and help organize the incubator’s events

International

• Contribute to KIVO’s international expansion, a growing strategic priority: lead initial relations with partner European incubators and help identify European project opportunities

• Contribute to the preparation of European funding applications

• Facilitate supported startups’ access to international networks and opportunities

Skills:

• Knowledge of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem

• Knowledge of innovation funding schemes

• Deep Tech culture

• Professional English, spoken and written (B2)

• Program management and coordination

• Rigor, sense of priorities and organizational skills

Required Qualities:

• Proactive, with a sense of initiative

• Ability to adapt to a wide range of stakeholders (researchers, entrepreneurs, institutional partners)

• Teamwork and collaborative working style

• Good listener with a talent for advising

Required qualifications: Master’s degree (Bac+5), preferably with an interest in technological innovation, and at least 3 to 5 years of experience in startup support, entrepreneurship or innovation.

What we offer:

• 12-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract workers and civil servants

• Category A, Research Engineer

• Full-time position, based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Adjustable work cycles (option to work 4.5 days a week)

• Occasional travel and events

• Paid time off (RTT) and additional leave

• Remote work possible

• Remote work allowance

• Free parking

• 75% public transport reimbursement

• Sustainable mobility allowance (for cycling or carpooling)

• Mandatory health insurance and optional supplementary insurance

Compensation: according to the French civil service pay scales

Position available: January 2027

HR Contact: Louane ALLAIN

Manager Contact: Pierre DURAND

This job posting uses terms such as “candidate,” “engineer,” “manager,” etc. These titles should be understood as gender-neutral and apply to both men and women.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In accordance with our institution’s CSR commitments, this position is open to all.