Head of Academies

Company Description

About EIT RawMaterials

As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources. This challenge is where EIT RawMaterials steps in.

EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Academies (m/f/d) to provide operational leadership for the European Raw Materials Academy and the European Advanced Materials Academy.

The European Raw Materials Academy and the European Advanced Materials Academy are flagship European initiatives that develop the skills and talent needed to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and industrial transformation in the raw and advanced materials sectors.

Reporting to the Director of Education & Skills, the Head of Academies is responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational delivery and ensuring the successful implementation, scaling, and continuous improvement of both Academies.

The Head of Academies (m/f/d) provides direct line management to three Senior Education Managers who collectively lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 colleagues.

The ideal candidate combines operational excellence with an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven ability to scale digital education initiatives. Success will be measured through learner growth, program quality, operational performance, and delivery against agreed Academy KPIs.

Key Accountabilities

The Head of Academies is accountable for:

1. Operational Delivery

• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and ensure successful delivery against agreed objectives, KPIs, timelines, budgets, quality standards, and compliance requirements.

• Establish and maintain effective operational processes, governance, reporting, and continuous improvement across both Academies.

2. Education Portfolio & Digital Learning Platforms

• Lead the operational management and continuous improvement of the Academies' digital learning ecosystem, providing recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

• Drive learner growth, program quality, and an excellent learner experience through effective operational management and data-informed decision-making.

3. Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and support the Senior Managers responsible for Operations, Course Development, and Partnerships.

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable multidisciplinary team.

4. Operational Performance & Resources

• Manage operational budgets within agreed frameworks, supplier relationships, and procurement activities to support the successful delivery of both Academies and ensure efficient and compliant use of resources.

• Develop, monitor, and report on Academy KPIs, analyse operational performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.

5. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Maintain productive relationships with internal teams and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment, successful delivery, and sustainable growth of both Academies.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Experience leading professional learning, education, or workforce development programs.

• Proven success scaling digital education, EdTech, or professional learning initiatives.

• Operational leadership and program management experience, including digital learning platforms and Learning Management Systems.

• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering against ambitious KPIs and operational objectives.

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Background in EdTech, professional education, or corporate learning and development.

• Experience building or scaling education academies, digital learning platforms, or comparable education initiatives.

• Familiarity with EU-funded projects, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, or the EIT ecosystem.

• Understanding of quality assurance, certification, credentials, and micro-credentials.

• Working knowledge of additional European languages.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead the operational scaling of two flagship European Academies with significant strategic impact.

• Join a committed, mission-driven team working at the intersection of education, innovation, industry, and European policy.

• Work with leading European universities, industry partners, and public-sector organisations to help shape the future workforce for the raw and advanced materials sectors.

• Hybrid working environment in Berlin.

• Competitive salary.

Position Details

• Location: Berlin, Germany.

• Contract: Full-time.

• Duration: Fixed-term contract until 2029, with the possibility of extension.

• Travel: Occasional travel within Europe is required.

• Reports to: Director of Education & Skills, EIT RawMaterials.

• Commitment to Diversity: EIT RawMaterials is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.

Other information

The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen.

1. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English.

2. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and HR team.

3. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and the HR team.

4. Offer: If successful, receive an offer to join our team.