ABOUT EIT FOOD

At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions-led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work.  

Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation.  

Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.

EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.

Visit our website: https://www.eitfood.eu

JOB DESCRIPTION

EIT Food is seeking an Interim Finance Director to steer our finance function through a period of transformation.
In this key interim role, you will ensure robust statutory accounting across multiple European entities, lead audit and year-end processes, and strengthen alignment between statutory and grant finance (including Horizon Europe and EIT funding). Acting as a trusted advisor to the Executive Management Team, you will provide financial leadership, continuity, and insight while guiding a committed finance team through change and preparing EIT Food for its next phase of growth.

Responsibilities:

• Statutory Accounting & Audit Preparation
  • Oversee the preparation and completion of statutory accounts for multiple legal entities, with our headquarters in Belgium, incorporated as a Belgian IVZW, and further legal entities in the UK, Spain, Germany and Poland.
  • Lead the year-end close process and ensure full readiness for external audit.
  • Ensure compliance with Belgian IVZW accounting standards and regulations.

• Grant & Project Finance Oversight
• Ensure alignment between statutory finance and grant-making processes, particularly relating to Horizon Europe and EIT grant funding.       
• Work closely with our Operations team to ensure a clean closure of the EIT grant making process.
• Maintain robust financial controls around grant allocation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure accurate financial tracking of grant-funded projects.

• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Finalise and oversee the budgeting process across all teams and entities.
• Provide financial insight and support to leadership and management teams.
• Monitor financial performance and advise on corrective actions where needed.

• Leadership & Team Management
• Provide direction and support to the accounting and finance team, ensuring continuity and performance during a period of organisational restructuring.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Management Team, supporting decision-making with sound financial insight.
• Foster a collaborative and resilient finance function, with EIT Food undergoing significant organisational change .

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Experience within grant-funded organisations (ideally EIT KICs or Horizon Europe participants), with deep understanding of the interface between statutory accounting and grant finance.
• Relevant professional qualification: Master in Finance, accounting degree or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or equivalent senior financial leader in complex, multi-entity organisations.
• Strong knowledge of Belgian accounting standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgeting, statutory reporting, and audit processes under tight deadlines.
• Track record of leading and motivating finance teams, particularly in times of organisational change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English (French/Dutch is an advantage).

WHAT WE OFFER

Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees and contractors are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.

CONTRACT TYPE

Full-time Temporary position for an initial duration of 9 months.

LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY

This role is based in our HQ in Leuven, Belgium

Occasional travel within Europe.

APPLICATION

We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. While the application deadline is 29/10/2025, we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.

We have a preference for candidates that are available immediately.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.