Vacant job

Sweden's security situation demands new ways of working. Defence xLab, based at the national collaboration arena Lindholmen Science Park, has a critical mission to build a strategic and rapid bridge between civilian cutting-edge technology, academia, and the defense sector. Our goal is to radically shorten the lead times from identified need to operational defense capability. Here, adaptation cycles are measured in weeks rather than years, and we are now looking for a strategic "doer" driven by undefined challenges and the drive to turn them into real solutions. As our new Innovation Leader & Project Manager, you will lead complex projects, make a significant impact, and create change.

About the role

As Innovation Leader & Project Manager, you are the hub of our operational activities. You drive the projects in the program forward, manage our calls for proposals, and coordinate the tech companies and actors that will solve the defense sector's challenges. You will become the natural bridge between the civilian ecosystem, the defense sector, and our various collaboration partners.

Your main responsibilities

• You take on project management by proactively initiating, structuring, and driving Defence xLab's projects and calls from start to finish.
• You act as a strategic link in the civil-military bridge, driving dialogue, development, and challenging boundaries at the interface between the defense sector, civilian tech companies, and academia.
• You plan, lead, and facilitate workshops and meetings to drive the ecosystem forward.
• You drive our innovation facilitation, meaning you support companies in understanding needs and packaging civilian technology so it is ready for evaluations.
• You work agilely and drive the development of flexible, fast, and adaptable work processes in our daily operations.

Qualifications

• Master's/Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• You communicate fluently in both Swedish and English, both verbally and in writing.
• You have relevant experience from the defense sector and a good understanding of military problem areas, structures, and operational needs.
• Your background is in innovation or development leadership where you have successfully led technology- or software-centric projects, preferably at the interface between the public and private sectors.
• Experience with agile project management methods and the ability to quickly adapt when conditions change.
• Experience in facilitating workshops, leading meetings, and building strong relationships in complex organizations and operations, with the ability to build trust.

Due to the nature of the work, it may be necessary to undergo a background check prior to employment. We wish to inform you that such a check may be requested during the recruitment process.

Who are you? We are looking for a distinct and strategic "doer" who is genuinely proactive and action-oriented. You do not wait for instructions; you navigate independently at a high pace, apply agile methods, and are motivated by finding solutions to complex, undefined challenges and transforming problems into concrete, operational value at an accelerating speed.

About Lindholmen Science Park For over 25 years, Lindholmen Science Park has driven research and innovation projects together with business, academia, and the public sector to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness and contribute to sustainable societal development. Starting from societal challenges and a shared need for new knowledge, the possibilities for new solutions are accelerated, which long-term creates increased growth and innovation power for Sweden. Here, you work in a dynamic collaboration environment together with leading actors from industry, academia, and society – both nationally and internationally.

Employment conditions

Scope: Fixed-term employment with the possibility of extension. The role implies that you will be directly employed by Lindholmen Science Park; therefore, we do not accept applications from consultants.

Start date: Ideally August 17th, but flexibility exists for the right candidate.

Contact information

Operations Manager/Program Manager Defence xLab: Katarina Brud, [email protected], +46 708 662 977

Application

We process applications on an ongoing basis, and the position may be filled before the final application deadline, which is July 1st. Therefore, please submit your application as soon as possible. We kindly but firmly decline contact from external recruitment agencies and advertising partners.