Ecosystem Program Manager

Digital Defence Ecosystem

The Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE) brings together around 70 Finnish defence and technology companies and research organisations to accelerate innovation, develop new defence capabilities and create new international business opportunities.

DDE is coordinated by XD Solutions Oy, which operates at the intersection of defence, innovation and business. As the ecosystem grows, the number, scale and complexity of collaborative projects and funding initiatives are also increasing.

We are now looking for an Ecosystem Program Manager to strengthen the DDE team and take an important role in turning ecosystem opportunities into concrete, well-prepared and successfully funded projects.

In this role, you will build project consortia, prepare funding applications and coordinate complex multi-party projects. Today, much of the work is related to Business Finland-funded Co-Innovation projects, while the importance of EU funding and European Defence Fund programmes is expected to increase significantly.

The role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced project and funding professional who enjoys working at the centre of complex networks and turning ideas into structured, executable projects.

Key responsibilities

• build and coordinate project consortia for Business Finland, EU and other relevant funding programmes
• prepare high-quality funding applications, project plans and supporting documentation
• coordinate multi-party projects and ensure structured progress across participating organisations
• drive project preparation from initial concept through funding application and project launch
• coordinate member companies, research organisations and international project partners across complex multi-party projects
• support the increasing use of EU funding instruments, including European Defence Fund opportunities
• monitor project progress, milestones, responsibilities and reporting
• take responsibility for XD Solutions’ project-related budget and coordination obligations where applicable
• work closely with the Ecosystem Director and support the broader development of the Digital Defence Ecosystem

What we expect from you

You are a systematic and proactive project professional who is comfortable coordinating several organisations, interests and workstreams simultaneously.

We expect you to have:

• relevant Master’s degree, university of applied sciences degree or equivalent higher education qualification
• proven experience in preparing successful funding applications
• experience in coordinating or leading multi-party, publicly funded projects
• strong project management and planning skills
• experience with Business Finland and/or EU-funded programmes
• ability to work systematically and goal-oriented under time pressure
• strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• ability to actively drive a dispersed project consortium forward
• fluent English and Finnish, both spoken and written

Previous experience with EU-funded projects is a strong advantage and may be particularly valuable as DDE expands its use of European funding instruments.

A background in technology companies, industrial companies, universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes or similar project-intensive environments can provide an excellent foundation for the role.

Previous defence or security sector experience is an advantage, but not a requirement.

Working at DDE and XD Solutions

The position is permanent and will initially work under the functional guidance of the Ecosystem Director.

The primary locations are Espoo and Tampere. The role requires regular interaction with colleagues and stakeholders, while flexible remote work is also possible – particularly for focused project preparation, writing and planning.

Some domestic and international travel is expected as part of consortium building, project work, funding programmes and stakeholder collaboration.

The selected person will be required to pass a security clearance.

Apply for the position

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced project and funding professional who wants to work with ambitious companies and organisations, build major collaborative projects and contribute to the development of Finland’s defence and technology ecosystem.

Please submit your application and CV through our recruitment system.

The recruitment is carried out in cooperation with StaffPoint Executive. For further information, please contact Senior Advisor Veli-Matti Savo, tel. +358 400 688535. Veli-Matti will be available for enquiries on Wednesday, 7 October, from 8.00 to 10.00