Commercial Manager Offshore & Coastal Engineering (30469)

→ Apply before 30/11/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)

→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture

→ Department: EA15 - Civiele Techniek

→ Occupancy rate:100%

→ Number of positions: 1

→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration

→ Term of assignment: 2 jaar

→ Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)

→ Required diploma:Master

About Ghent University, Coastal & Ocean Basin and UGent Geotechnical Institute

Ghent University (UGent) is a world of its own. More than 15,000 staff members are engaged daily in education and research, administration and management, technical and social services, and much more. For many, Ghent University is the employer of choice: one of the largest, most innovative, and forward-looking employers in the region. The university comprises 11 faculties and more than 80 departments, offering high-quality, research-based education across all scientific disciplines.

Valorisation of knowledge and research infrastructure is a key mission of UGent. To support these activities, the university relies on a network of specialised business development centres funded through the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) and supported by the central Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Together, they foster collaboration with industry and facilitate the translation of research results into societal and economic impact through contract research, industrial services, licensing activities, and spin-off creation. For industrial collaborations, UGent operates internationally recognised research infrastructure in offshore, coastal, and geotechnical engineering. To further strengthen the commercial development of these facilities, we are seeking an experienced commercial manager to drive growth for both the Coastal & Ocean Basin (COB; link) in Ostend and the UGent Geotechnical Institute (UGGI; link) in Zwijnaarde, Ghent.

The COB is a state-of-the-art wave and current basin where physical model testing is carried out for coastal and offshore infrastructure, offshore wind energy, floating energy systems, subsea cable infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. The facility is jointly operated by UGent, KU Leuven, and Flanders Hydraulics. UGGI is one of Flanders’ leading geotechnical research centres and offers an extensive portfolio of advanced testing facilities covering soil mechanics, foundations, offshore structures, and soil-structure interaction. Together, COB and UGGI form a unique one-stop shop for experimental services and contract research in offshore, coastal, and geotechnical engineering. We are looking for someone who can further strengthen and position this unique offering in the international market.

Your role

You work at the intersection of technology, research, and industry. You will be responsible for the continued commercial development of the combined COB-UGGI service portfolio. You will generate new business opportunities, maintain and expand relationships with existing clients, and ensure that commercial leads are successfully converted into projects across key target markets, including offshore energy, maritime infrastructure, and coastal protection. By doing so, you will contribute directly to the growth of industrial contract revenue at UGent. You will work closely with the directors of both infrastructures, researchers, technical teams, relevant UGent business development centres, and the central Technology Transfer Office (TTO). You will report directly to the Directors of COB (prof. Maximilian Streicher) and UGGI (Prof. Mahya Roustaei). Your office locations will be in Ostend Science Park and Tech Lane Ghent Science Park (Zwijnaarde).

Your primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing a strong market positioning for the integrated COB-UGGI service offering, with a particular focus on promoting combined testing campaigns.
• Coordinating the commercial strategy to expand the client portfolio and develop new market segments where relevant.
• Further growing and maintaining an international network of industrial partners while building long-term relationships with strategic accounts.
• Identifying and developing new opportunities in offshore engineering, coastal engineering, geotechnics, offshore renewable energy, and other relevant growth markets.
• Identifying opportunities for complementary services, including numerical modelling, expert consultancy, and related activities.
• Representing COB and UGGI during client visits, international exhibitions & trade fairs, and networking events.
• Coordinating the preparation of service proposals and quotations in close collaboration with technical experts.
• Managing commercial opportunities from initial contact until contract signature.
• Monitoring ongoing projects from a client relationship perspective and ensuring high-quality aftercare.

Your profile

Education

• You hold at least a Master's degree. Degrees obtained outside the European Union must be accompanied by an official equivalence certificate (NARIC).
• A background in business engineering or technical studies with affinity to the provided services (e.g., civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, mechanical engineering, electromechanical engineering, industrial engineering) is considered a strong asset.

Experience

• You have at least five years of relevant industrial experience in business development, sales, or account management.
• Experience within offshore engineering, maritime infrastructure, energy, geotechnics, construction, defence, or other related sectors is highly desirable.
• You have a proven track record of generating commercial revenue and securing new client relationships.
• You have a relevant national and/or international industrial network.
• Experience with public procurement and tendering procedures is an advantage.

Competencies

• You have a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset and are result- and customer-oriented.
• You not only identify opportunities but actively create them and follow through to successful contract closure.
• You possess excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• You combine commercial acumen with sufficient technical understanding to translate complex testing capabilities into compelling client solutions.
• You are a strong networker and relationship builder, capable of engaging stakeholders at multiple organisational levels.
• You are comfortable working with clearly defined targets and KPIs and have demonstrated success in such environments.
• You are willing to travel regularly, both nationally and internationally (at least 20-25% of your time).
• You hold a valid Category B driving licence.

Our offer

We offer a challenging position within a dynamic and stimulating environment, providing significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. You will have the opportunity to work directly with leading international industrial players and contribute to innovations in offshore wind energy, coastal protection, maritime infrastructure, and related sectors.

• We offer a full-time fixed-term contract for a period of two years. Upon completion of this period, further employment opportunities may be considered.
• Preferred start date: 1 February 2027, or in mutual agreement no later than 1 April 2027.
• Salary according to the applicable UGent salary scales (WM1-WM4). More information about the salary scales.
• A comprehensive benefits package including extensive training and development opportunities, 36 days of annual leave (full-time equivalent), bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and other employment benefits. Overview of employee benefits.

Application procedure

Applications can only be submitted online through the UGent e-recruitment platform before the closing date. Late applications or applications submitted through other channels will not be considered. Please include the following documents with your application (maximum 10MB per document):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter / cover letter
• Copy of the required degree certificate (if already available)
• Reference letter(s) or a description of relevant reference projects

UGent is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Application procedure: Following an initial screening based on the submitted application documents, a shortlist of candidates will be invited to a short online interview (approximately 30 minutes) during the week of 7 December 2026. A limited number of candidates will subsequently be invited for an in-person interview in Zwijnaarde (approximately 60 minutes) during the week of 14 December 2026. UGent reserves the right to adapt this procedure depending on the number and quality of applications received.

More information

• Practical information related to job offer: Maximilian Streicher (Director Coastal & Ocean Basin; Maximilian.Streicher@UGent.be) and Arne De Keyser (Business Development Manager Energy; arndkeys.DeKeyser@UGent.be).
• Background information Industrial Research Fund: https://techtransfer.ugent.be/en/collaborations/iof-business-development-centers; Coastal & Ocean Basin: https://cob.ugent.be; and UGent Geotechnical Institute: https://www.ugent.be/ea/civil-engineering/en/research/geotechnics

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be.