Vacancy: Business Developer Design & Innovation

Designregio Kortrijk is the creative hotspot of West Flanders. We connect companies, governments, educational institutions and designers to develop innovative solutions that create real impact: economically, socially and culturally. From circular hubs to residences, from masterclasses to international trend tours, or the WONDER Creativity Festival: when something passes through our hands, it becomes unique.

For us, design means much more than products or aesthetics. It encompasses strategy, service design, process innovation, social innovation, sustainability, circularity, technology, experimentation and entrepreneurship. In short: everything that helps organisations become more future-oriented, creative and resilient.

We are strongly rooted locally, but always look beyond borders. As a member of BEDA (Bureau of European Design Associations) and recognised within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, we work with partners across Europe. That means international projects, exchanges of inspiration and regular trips to other creative regions.

We are looking for a business developer with commercial flair and entrepreneurial spirit: someone who spots opportunities, builds relationships and closes deals. Not a traditional project manager, but someone who helps shape and organise creative processes.

Every day, you will be part of a network where companies, public organisations and creatives come together. You are the connector who has a keen sense of needs and challenges, translates them into concrete proposals and takes clients on journeys that really help their organisations move forward.

You effortlessly spot opportunities, think commercially and dare to act on them. You build relationships, inspire others and bring energy to every conversation — whether it's with a CEO, policymaker, entrepreneur or creative. You love variety and impact, and you enjoy the fact that both national and international travel are part of your job.

• You identify commercial opportunities and translate them into strong projects and partnerships.
• You build a network of clients and partners in both the private and public sectors.
• You develop and sell design and innovation projects: from strategic processes to creative programmes.
• You are responsible for budgets, turnover targets and financial results.
• You coordinate the projects you bring in, such as masterclasses, hackathons, design-driven processes, circular initiatives, trend tours and more.
• You build bridges between companies, governments, designers, researchers and young talent, making collaboration a natural part of the process.
• You work closely with your colleagues and report directly to the managing director.
• You are curious, enterprising and solution-oriented in everything you do.

We are looking for someone with a master's degree (or equivalent through experience), strategic thinking skills and strong commercial instincts.

• Experience in business development, account management or commercial project roles.
• Insight into innovation processes or design-driven working (or the willingness to learn quickly).
• Interest in creativity and the creative sector
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A true team player who spontaneously rolls up their sleeves when needed
• Fluency in Dutch, French and English
• You enjoy working with targets and taking responsibility for budgets
• You are a born networker who switches easily between companies and public organisations
• You have the drive to open doors, close deals, shape projects and deliver results.

At Designregio Kortrijk, you will have the opportunity to develop new projects, new clients, and new ideas — in a creative environment where entrepreneurship is central.

• A key role in the commercial growth of Designregio Kortrijk
• The opportunity to build your own portfolio of clients and projects within DRK
• An inspiring workplace in Hangar K, Kortrijk, with the option of hybrid working
• An attractive package: competitive salary, mobile phone + subscription, company car and meal vouchers
• International exposure through BEDA, UNESCO and international projects
• Regular opportunities to travel, accompany inspirational trips or represent international networks
• A dynamic team in which creativity, entrepreneurship and collaboration are central.

Send your CV and cover letter to
Stijn Debaillie – stijn@designregio-kortrijk.be 
before 31 March 2026 and help build the future of design, innovation and entrepreneurship.