We're Hiring - Senior Project Manager

About Ideas Forward

Ideas Forward is a deep-tech startup hub based in Thessaloniki. We work at the earliest stages of company building — validating ideas, designing programs, and supporting founders through structured methods and hands-on involvement. Since 2019, we have coached over 35 early-stage teams, designed and delivered 12 programs with universities and research bodies, and supported 18 ventures from idea stage to early funding or pilot readiness.

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to take ownership of program delivery and day-to-day project execution. You will work directly with the founding team to coordinate timelines, manage stakeholder communication, oversee deliverables, and ensure that programs and ventures move forward with clarity and accountability.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, early-stage environments and has a strong track record of managing complex projects across multiple workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of innovation programs and funded projects
• Coordinate across internal teams, external partners, founders, and institutional stakeholders
• Manage project timelines, milestones, budgets, and reporting requirements
• Facilitate regular check-ins, progress reviews, and retrospectives
• Identify risks early and propose mitigation strategies
• Maintain project documentation, status updates, and communication channels
• Support proposal writing and program design for new initiatives
• Contribute to process improvement and operational efficiency across the organization

Qualifications & Experience

Must-haves:

• 5+ years of project management experience, ideally in innovation, technology, or startup ecosystems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently with competing priorities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication in both Greek and English
• Experience with project management tools (e.g. Asana, Notion, Jira, or similar)
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (business, engineering, management, or equivalent)

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience with EU-funded projects or public innovation programs
• Familiarity with startup methodologies (lean startup, design thinking, business model canvas)
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certification
• Master's degree or MBA
• Prior experience working with deep-tech or research-intensive ventures

What We Offer

• A central role in a small, senior team working on meaningful projects
• Direct collaboration with the founding partners on strategy and delivery
• Exposure to deep-tech ventures, university partnerships, and ecosystem development
• Hybrid working model with flexibility
• Competitive salary (€22K–28K net annually, depending on experience)
• Professional development opportunities and access to a broad innovation network
• A transparent, low-hierarchy working culture where your contribution is visible and valued

Interested?

If this sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us about your experience and why you want to join Ideas Forward.