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EU business development consultant – European innovation programmes

Brussels · Engineer / Scientist

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Are you looking for a new challenge at the intersection of innovation, European funding and business development?

In 2026, Zabala Innovation celebrates 40 years supporting organisations in accessing public funding for innovation. As part of this continued growth, we are looking for an EU Business Development Consultant to strengthen our activity in European markets, supporting both the Brussels office and the different EU teams at group level.

This position combines technical engagement, business development and market intelligence within the EU funded programmes’ ecosystem.

Under the supervision of the EU Business Development Coordinator and in close collaboration with the European Department, you will contribute to structuring and expanding Zabala’s commercial activity in EU markets.

    • Brussels

    • Hybrid

    • Permanent contract

In your day-to-day work…

  • Qualifying and systematically following up incoming leads.
  • Ensuring structured tracking of opportunities, relationships and commercial actions in the CRM.
  • Prioritising opportunities and maintaining clear visibility of the commercial pipeline.
  • Proactively analysing upcoming European programmes and funding priorities to anticipate market opportunities.
  • Translating programme intelligence into targeted commercial actions and structured outreach campaigns.
  • Identifying and segmenting high-potential organisations within the European innovation ecosystem.
  • Managing campaign execution and follow-up in the CRM, ensuring traceability and continuity of engagement.
  • Collaborating with the Marketing team to enhance the visibility and positioning of Zabala’s services (online campaigns, webinars and targeted communication initiatives).
  • Regularly updating and refining commercial materials to reflect evolving market and programme dynamics.
  • Representing Zabala at key European events, conferences and networking initiatives.
  • Participating in commercial meetings with prospective and existing clients.
  • Explaining Zabala’s services and the logic of European funding programmes.
  • Actively nurturing and strengthening relationships within Zabala’s existing ecosystem of clients and partners.
  • Analysing, tracking and strategically developing existing accounts to maximise long-term collaboration opportunities.
  • Supporting account development in coordination with senior consultants and technical teams.
  • Supporting the preparation of tenders and commercial offers for public and major clients.
  • Contributing to positioning documents, capability presentations and strategic commercial materials.
talento

    • We offer flexible start and finish times within a defined framework, and on Fridays we work a continuous working day.

    • Enjoy your free time during the longest days of the year with a continuous working day between June and September.

    • We are committed to a mixed model. You can telework part of your working day and in any case, you will always be able to come to the office.

    • We believe in the professional development of people, so we are committed to your training.

What we do ask for?

What we consider necessary
  • 2–5 years of relevant experience in EU Funding, consulting and business development.
    Practical knowledge of European funding programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe, IF, EDF, CEF, or similar).
  • Ability to understand and explain the proposal preparation processes and funding logic to clients.
  • Experience working with CRM tools in a structured and disciplined manner (pipeline tracking, lead qualification and follow-up management).
  • Strong analytical skills and capacity to work with data to prioritise opportunities.
  • Client-oriented mindset and confidence in professional interactions.
What we expect from you
  • Structured and organised way of working.
  • Proactivity and sense of responsibility.
  • Ability to balance autonomous work with teamwork.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Interest in innovation, technology and European ecosystems.
Even better if
  • Master’s degree in engineering, Business, Management or related fields.
  • Fluent English (C1 minimum).
  • Additional European languages (Spanish, French, Italian or Portuguese) are an asset.
  • Brussels (no relocation package foreseen).
  • Availability: Immediately

Working at Zabala Innovation

We have a team of experts in different areas, essential to understand each innovation project: energy, biochemistry, aerospace, environment, health, security, social challenges, digitalisation, industry, and a long etcetera. In Brussels we have:

  • An open-ended, Belgian contract with a competitive salary package plus bonus, lunch vouchers, hospitalisation insurance and so on.
  • An awesome group of +20 colleagues in Brussels, in a office located at the centre of European quarter.
  • Trainings: we believe in the professional development of people. You will have access to a wide range of trainings.

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