Innovation and Incentives Specialist

• Drive the innovation framework and processes: oversee and refine the company’s innovation framework and pipeline, ensuring processes are standardized, transparent, and aligned with internal standards. Identify and support promising ideas as they develop into impactful innovation and R&D initiatives that fit strategic priorities.
• Promote intrapreneurship and innovation culture: promote a culture of intrapreneurship and innovation by leading programs that encourage employees to experiment, generate value, and propose new ideas—empowering teams to think entrepreneurially and drive agility across the organization.
• Design and manage incentive strategies: shape and deliver an integrated incentive strategy: Align fiscal and non-fiscal funding—such as R&D tax credits, national and EU grants—with the company’s innovation goals, ensuring optimal use of support programs and up-to-date awareness of emerging opportunities.
• Coordinate incentive operations and reporting: oversee incentive processes and compliance: Guide teams in identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and ensuring projects meet all reporting and contractual requirements for external funding.
• Develop partnerships and funding ecosystem involvement: foster strong partnerships with research institutes, universities, industry consortia, and innovation agencies, actively engaging in joint innovation projects and industry forums to unlock new funding opportunities and stay ahead of policy trends.
• Collaborate with technical and R&D teams: partner with R&D and technical teams to embed incentive opportunities in project roadmaps, ensuring funding mechanisms support technical goals and maximize value creation.

• Innovation & R&D Management: Strong understanding of innovation processes and familiarity with frameworks/standards for innovation management (e.g., ISO 56000 series). Ability to manage R&D project lifecycles from concept to implementation.
• Incentive Program Expertise: In-depth knowledge of R&D incentive instruments – including R&D tax credit schemes, national innovation grants, and European funding programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, etc.). Proven experience in preparing and managing grant applications, and navigating European grant platforms (such as the EU Funding & Tenders Portal).
• Compliance and Reporting: Strong grasp of compliance requirements for public funding and grants. Able to interpret and adhere to funding program guidelines, prepare required documentation, and manage reporting cycles and audits meticulously.
• Industry Knowledge (Renewables): Understanding of the renewable energy sector (wind and solar technologies, market trends, and regulatory context). Ability to relate technical project content in renewables to eligibility criteria of various R&D incentive programs.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Planisware, or similar) to track innovation projects and grant deliverables. Certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) is a plus.
• Data Analysis & KPIs: Ability to analyze data and metrics related to innovation portfolio performance or R&D funding (e.g., ROI of projects, innovation KPIs). Experience with innovation management software or idea management platforms is an advantage.
• Regulatory/Policy Insight: Awareness of European R&D and sustainability policy frameworks and how they drive available incentives. Basic understanding of intellectual property (IP) considerations in R&D projects (patents, licensing) can be beneficial.
• Multi-language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other European languages (especially those relevant to the company’s operations or key partners) is a plus, aiding in collaboration across multi-country consortia.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to align innovation initiatives and incentive opportunities with the company’s business strategy and long-term goals. Capable of evaluating ideas not only for technical merit but also for business impact and strategic fit.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders – from internal teams and executives to external partners, and funding agency officers. Able to clearly articulate the value of projects and persuade or negotiate when securing support or partnerships.
• Project & Program Management: Demonstrated skill in organizing and managing multiple projects or initiatives simultaneously, especially coordinating complex projects with external funding. Competent in setting timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and ensuring teams meet these targets.
• Financial Acumen: Basic understanding of finance related to R&D projects – budgeting, cost tracking, and forecasting. Ability to assess the financial impact of incentives on project viability and company finances, ensuring that incentive strategies yield net positive benefits.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges in innovation projects or grant processes (such as scope changes, partner issues, or compliance questions). Adaptable and resourceful in finding solutions that keep initiatives on track.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required (e.g., Engineering, Science, Business, or Innovation Management). Given the broad scope of innovation roles, a bachelor’s in business is common to help understand business operations and identify opportunities.
• Master’s degree is highly desirable, especially with a specialization in technology management, renewable energy, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in innovation management, R&D project management, or managing incentive/grant programs. Experience within the renewable energy sector (wind/solar) or with technology-driven projects is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing R&D funding (e.g., having led or significantly contributed to successful grant proposals or tax incentive claims).
• Knowledge of the European funding landscape and frameworks (familiarity with Horizon Europe, European Innovation Council programs, national innovation agencies, etc.). Direct experience with EU grant platforms (such as the EU Funding & Tenders portal) is a plus.

Renantis