ABOUT EIT FOOD

EIT Food is growing Europe’s food innovation ecosystem to build a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system. We empower innovators and entrepreneurs. We invest in ideas and talent. And we create space for science, research, industry, and policymakers to accelerate systemic change across the food sector.

By mobilising the collective power of our ecosystem, we tackle Europe’s most pressing food challenges - driving innovation in resilient agriculture, protein diversification, and agrifood biotech to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.

EIT Food is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, set up in 2017 to accelerate food system innovation in Europe. 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

About the Supervisory Board in EIT Food 

The Supervisory Board oversees the activities of EIT Food and monitors the definition, approval and delivery of the Strategic Agenda. It appoints the CEO, supervises their performance and discusses and approves strategic decisions proposed by the Executive Management Team. 

The Supervisory Board is elected by the Partner Assembly and is currently composed of partner representatives and independent members with complementary skills, experiences and perspectives. 

The Supervisory Board meets twice per year in person and typically four times per year virtually. In addition, Board members participate in committee work through the Audit & Risk Committee, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Strategy Committee, and Legal & Compliance Committee.  

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chair plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance, strategic alignment, constructive challenge and stakeholder engagement across the EIT Food community and its wider ecosystem. 

The Chair is appointed for a three-year term, renewable in accordance with EIT Food governance provisions. 

The Chair's primary mission is to provide strategic leadership to the Supervisory Board and support the successful delivery of EIT Food's Strategic Agenda. 

The Chair will: 

• Lead and chair the Supervisory Board, ensuring effective governance and high-quality decision-making. 
• Facilitate the development, review and oversight of EIT Food's strategic direction and long-term ambitions. 
• Ensure that Board discussions and decisions remain focused on the successful delivery of the KIC Strategic Agenda and its objectives. 
• Foster constructive collaboration and alignment across EIT Food's diverse community of partners and stakeholders. 
• Chair the Partner Assembly and oversee governance processes related to Board appointments and succession planning. 
• Lead the work of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and ensure the effective functioning of Board committees. 
• Act as the primary liaison between the Supervisory Board and the CEO, fostering a relationship based on trust, accountability and constructive challenge. 
• Support the recruitment, evaluation and, where necessary, succession of the CEO. 
• Promote a strong organisational culture that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, integrity and impact. 
• Represent EIT Food at senior-level engagements with European institutions, industry leaders, investors, universities, public authorities and other strategic stakeholders. 
• Maintain productive relationships with the EIT, other KICs and relevant European innovation ecosystems. 
• Serve as a visible ambassador for EIT Food and its mission throughout Europe and beyond.  

The role is expected to require approximately 30-40 days per year.

 
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

EIT Food seeks an accomplished and respected leader with a track record of strategic leadership, transformation, governance excellence and stakeholder engagement in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to guide an organisation of European significance through its next stage of development and impact. 

Governance and Board Leadership 

• Significant Board experience in a non-executive capacity, with previous experience as Committee Chair or equivalent governance leadership role. 
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, risk oversight and organisational accountability. 
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus while providing constructive challenge and independent judgement. 

Strategic Leadership 

• Proven experience shaping and overseeing long-term organisational strategy. 
• Ability to translate complex environments and stakeholder interests into a clear and actionable strategic direction. 
• Strong understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship and ecosystem development. 

Stakeholder and Institutional Engagement 

• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders across business, academia, government and civil society is a pre. 
• Ability to represent EIT Food credibly with European institutions and international audiences. 
• Experience navigating complex, multinational and multicultural environments. 

Sector Knowledge 

Candidates should bring substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Food systems, agriculture, nutrition or sustainability. 
• Innovation, research and development. 
• Entrepreneurship and scale-up ecosystems. 
• European policy and public affairs. 

Direct experience within the food and agri-food sector is strongly valued, although outstanding candidates from adjacent sectors will also be considered. 

Independence 

The Chair must be fully independent and must not be employed by, affiliated with, or represent an existing EIT Food partner organisation. 

Language 

Excellent command of English is required. 

Key Competencies 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strategic Orientation : Ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities and Long-term vision  
• Leadership and Influence : Natural authority and credibility at Board level, with ability to lead complex discussions and drive effective outcomes. 
• Collaboration: Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills. Ability to build relations within and outside the organisation. 
• Results Orientation : Focus on organisational impact and measurable outcomes, and ability to balance strategic thinking with governance discipline. 
• Ambassadorship : Passion for the transformation of the European food system and ability to act as a compelling advocate for EIT Food and its mission with external stakeholders. 

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 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.

The Chair of the Supervisory Board is entitled to an annual stipend of EUR 25,000. Participation to committees are compensated on top of this stipend, and additional advisory activities may be compensated on a per diem basis. Any travel and other expenses are reimbursed. 

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.

Applicants who believe that the selection process has not been conducted in accordance with the published procedure may submit a written appeal within five working days of receiving notification of the outcome. Appeals should clearly state the grounds for the appeal and will be reviewed by EIT Food.