The Company
At Mantis Beyond Innovation we believe that the development of the innovation ecosystem and startup entrepreneurship improves quality of life. We implement Open Innovation projects that help startups, innovative professionals, and researchers scale solutions in response to complex challenges from large private and public organizations.
As innovation enablers, we collaborate with organizations aiming to accelerate their transformation across environmental, technological, economic, and social levels. We support clients with comprehensive transformation initiatives, from the birth of an idea to implementation and scaling.
The Role
As an Open Innovation Project Manager, you are responsible for the operational design and execution of Open Innovation programs, ensuring high-quality delivery within agreed scope, timeline, and budget.
Working closely with the Head of Open Innovation, you translate the strategic framework of each program into structured project plans, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure seamless implementation across all phases — from planning to final delivery and evaluation.
You act as the day-to-day owner of program execution, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring consistency, clarity, and reliability throughout the project lifecycle.
Reports to: CEO
Key Responsibilities
- Project Planning & Setup
- Translate program strategy and objectives (defined with the Head of Open Innovation) into actionable project plans
- Define project scope, milestones, timelines, KPIs, and deliverables
- Ensure feasibility and alignment with client and stakeholder expectations
- Implementation & Delivery
- Coordinate internal teams (Innovation, Marketing, Events, Startup Growth) and external partners
- Manage resources, task allocation, dependencies, and availability
- Ensure timely delivery within scope and budget
- Track progress, risks, and issues, proposing corrective actions when needed
- Stakeholder & Client Coordination
- Act as the main operational contact point for clients and program stakeholders
- Ensure clear communication, alignment, and smooth collaboration
- Escalate critical issues or deviations to the Head of Open Innovation when required
- Monitoring, Reporting & Quality Control
- Monitor project performance using appropriate tools and methodologies
- Prepare progress reports, dashboards, and internal documentation
- Ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to agreed standards across deliverables
- Events & Program Milestones
- Support the planning and execution of key program moments (Info Days, workshops, demo days, pitching competitions)
- Coordinate logistics, timelines, and contributor roles in collaboration with Events & Communications
- Ensure smooth flow and positive participant experience
- Evaluation & Closing
- Support data collection, KPI tracking, and post-program evaluation
- Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement of program delivery
Required Qualifications
- Hard Skills
- Degree in Business/ Public Administration, Engineering, Strategy, Innovation Management or a related field
- Knowledge of Marketing, Communications, and Events
- People Management
- Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, ClickUp, MS Office, MS Teams
- Excellent knowledge of English (C1/C2)
- Relevant professional experience
- Soft Skills
- Strong organization and prioritization skills
- Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- Results- and action-oriented
- Strong sense of ownership and execution focus
- Desirable (optional)
- MBA or MSc/MEng in Engineering/Business/Project Management/Industrial Management/Operations Research or related fields
- Experience in Open Innovation Programs/Projects
- PMI PMP Certification
What Mantis Offers
- Hands-on role in delivering impactful Open Innovation programs across Greece
- Close collaboration with senior innovation leadership
- Exposure to public sector, academia, startups, and corporate innovation ecosystems
- Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications
At Mantis Beyond Innovation, we invest in people who want to build something worth creating.
Key Phases of Open Innovation Program (Mantis BI)
- Planning:
- Understand client needs, define the program scope, and create the Project Management Plan (scope/timeline/budget)
- Set SMART goals, milestones, KPIs, and baseline
- Coordinate Marketing (Marketing/Communication Plan, brand identity, community building) and Tech (webpage, customization of Mantis Innovation Management Software)
- Implementation:
- Coordinate departments (Marketing, Innovation, Business Creation, etc.)
- Align with clients/partners/stakeholders
- Produce deliverables, tracking & reporting, and design and implement Info Day
- Evaluation & Pitching:
- Design/implement events, procurements & equipment
- Ensure smooth flow during pitching competition and post-event actions
- Ensure client/participant satisfaction
How to Get Started
Apply via our platform and upload your CV.