Senior Strategic Partnership Manager in Qatar

About This Role

imec is the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The combination of our widely acclaimed leadership in microchip technology is what makes us unique. By leveraging our world class infrastructure and local and global ecosystem of partners across a multitude of industries, we create ground-breaking innovation in a wide range of application domains.

Imec Qatar is a new regional office where we drive our mission of pioneering innovative semiconductor solutions that lay the foundation for a smarter, greener, and truly AI-driven future. Specializing in advanced design tools for emerging technologies like silicon photonics and 3D integrated circuits, imec Qatar is at the forefront of chip development. And we're driving the future with intelligent solutions to optimize infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.

This is more than just a new office - it's the start of an exciting journey. With the launch of imec Qatar, you have the unique opportunity to join us from day one and help shape the future of semiconductor innovation in the region.

Be part of the team from the very beginning, joining us as Senior Strategic Partnership Manager !

Your role

As Senior Strategic Partnership Manager, you are part of imec’s global business and partnership team and act as a senior business interface between imec and its strategic partners. Your focus is on large multinational corporations (F1000–F5000) as well as deep-tech start-ups and scale-ups, with a strong emphasis on chip development and advanced design solutions.

You will grow and deepen strategic partnerships, translate technology roadmaps into business opportunities, and contribute to the development of imec Qatar as a regional innovation hub.

Key responsibilities

• Drive strategic partnerships & business growth
• Translate imec’s R&D roadmaps into client business strategies and go-to-market plans.
• Engage senior stakeholders across client organizations to develop long-term strategic partnerships.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities aligned with imec’s portfolio
• Lead opportunity development & deal closure
• Lead workshops to shape value propositions and validate opportunities.
• Guide partners through imec’s sales cycle in close collaboration with R&D, portfolio managers, legal and IP teams.
• Support negotiations and closing of strategic, multi-year agreements.
• Build long-term client intimacy
• Act as a trusted advisor to client senior management.
• Drive up-selling and cross-selling across imec’s technology portfolio.
• Conduct strategic account reviews and establish joint governance and steering structures.
• Develop the Qatar ecosystem
• Build and manage relationships with local companies, academic institutions, government entities, and funding agencies.
• Represent imec in regional forums, working groups, and high-level stakeholder meetings.
• Monitor local policy and innovation priorities (e.g. Qatar National Vision 2030) to identify strategic opportunities.
• Advise internal teams on cultural and stakeholder dynamics in Qatar.

What we do for you

• A senior, visible role in building imec Qatar from the ground up.
• Exposure to one of the world’s largest semiconductor and deep‑tech ecosystems.
• Direct interaction with industry leaders, senior executives, and global innovation partners.
• An open, international, and flexible work culture with strong support for initiative and personal growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, aligned with market standards.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in technology, engineering or a related field; strong business acumen and passion for innovation (PhD not required).
• 15+ years of experience in business development, sales, product or partnership management in deep-tech environments.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor technologies, chip design and/or manufacturing is a major asset.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships at senior levels.
• Strategic mindset with strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Existing network in the Qatar region and/or semiconductor ecosystem is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English and Arabic; additional languages are a plus.
• Comfortable working in an international environment and traveling up to ~30%.