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

JOB DESCRIPTION

Drive corporate business development, investment and strategic partnerships across EIT Food’s key thematic priorities: Regenerative Agriculture, Protein Diversification and Agri-Food Biotechnology. Build and deepen senior corporate relationships and translate their ambitions for a healthier, more sustainable and fair agri-food system into impactful partnerships, initiatives and services.

Key responsibilities

• Build and convert a strong pipeline of corporate opportunities aligned with EIT Food’s thematic priorities.
• Bring corporates into EIT Food initiatives, including public-private funded projects, flagship initiatives and services.
• Own the account management of designated Corporate Strategic Partners, developing joint impact plans and identifying opportunities to deepen engagement, investment and collaboration.
• Strengthen relationships with Strategic Partners by connecting their strategic priorities with EIT Food’s thematic expertise, initiatives and ecosystem.
• Lead opportunities end-to-end, from identification and relationship building through proposal development, negotiation and closing.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior corporate decision-makers, particularly across Sustainability, Agriculture, R&D, Innovation and related functions.
• Leverage and expand an established senior-level network within large food and agriculture companies, particularly across sustainability and EIT Food’s thematic areas.
• Orchestrate EIT Food’s internal teams and external ecosystem partners to develop complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to scale successful partnerships across geographies, value chains and thematic priorities.

Success in the role

• Strong growth in corporate revenue and investment across EIT Food’s thematic priorities.
• Increased corporate participation in EIT Food initiatives, co-financed opportunities and services.
• Deeper and broader engagement, investment and impact with Corporate Strategic Partners.
• Strong joint impact plans and strategic relationships across designated accounts.
• New strategic and multi-year partnerships with leading food and agriculture companies.
• A strong pipeline of high-value opportunities and new initiatives co-created with corporates.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Proven experience in business development, strategic partnerships, account management, commercial strategy or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of the food and agriculture sector and its sustainability agenda.
• Established senior-level network within large corporate organisations, particularly across Sustainability, Supply Chain, Agriculture, R&D, Innovation and the primary sector.
• Preference will be given to candidates with strong business development experience and an established network in Sustainability, Supply Chain, Agriculture and the primary sector.
• Track record of developing and closing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships and managing strategic accounts.
• Strong senior stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, commercial drive and ability to turn emerging opportunities into concrete partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills and an international mindset.

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.

As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and a benefits package aligned with local practices. This role is graded as Senior Manager. To view the expected annual gross salary range for your country, please refer to our Salary Overview Table

CONTRACT TYPE

Full-time position.

LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY

This role can be based in any of our six locations: Belgium, UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain or Poland. To be eligible, you must be based in one of these locations and have the legal right to work there. Within your chosen location, we offer flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, depending on local policies and requirements.

Occasional travel within Europe.

APPLICATION

We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. EIT Food always reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.

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.