FoodDrinkEurope is looking for an exceptional candidate to lead the organisation’s work on circular economy.

As part of its Environment & Sustainability Department, this exciting and high-profile opportunity is open to well-connected candidates with expertise in circular economy, sound understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, and experience in policy engagement. Familiarity with the food and drink industry and experience from working for a trade association are considered an asset.

The successful candidate will be energetic, motivated and have a passion to work towards delivering more sustainable food systems within a dynamic and diverse international team and together with members and partners of FoodDrinkEurope.

FoodDrinkEurope is the leading organisation for the European food and drink manufacturing sector, the EU’s largest manufacturing industry, made up of 304,000 businesses and 4.7 million employees. 99% of the sector’s companies are SMEs.

Responsibilities 

• Develop and lead FoodDrinkEurope’s strategy to help drive the European food and drink industry’s efforts in relation to circular economy and waste management, and contribute to related EU policies. The role also covers areas such as bioeconomy, water resilience and environmental pollutants. 
• Work with colleagues across departments, and support the team in other important environment and sustainability policy areas as needed, e.g. climate, energy, sustainability reporting, due diligence, etc.
• Prepare and manage FoodDrinkEurope working groups and task forces in charge of the above issues and follow up on agreed action points and decisions. 
• Engage, collaborate and build positive relationships with the EU Institutions and other key stakeholders.
• Represent FoodDrinkEurope at events and official meetings. 
• Develop regular updates, briefings, and publications for FoodDrinkEurope members and other target audiences. 
• Support the Environment and Sustainability Director in achieving the goals of the Department, and the organisation in general.

Qualifications

• University degree related to environmental sciences, natural resources management, environmental policy, food sustainability and/or equivalent experience. 
• 5+ years of work experience in EU public affairs related to environmental policy, circular economy, sustainability and/or agri-food policy.

Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated ability to align different interests and influence the political process.
• Excellent writing, communication, networking and negotiation skills. 
• Affinity with the food and drink sector.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent English, other EU languages an asset.

Our offer

• An open-ended contract with a competitive salary package and additional benefits (pension, health insurance, meal vouchers, etc.) 
• Unique visibility of/within the European food and drink industry. 
• A dynamic and exciting international working environment.

Diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a work environment that is inclusive and diverse, where all ideas and perspectives are valued, and our people can confidently and comfortably be themselves.

We are looking for the best talent, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, colour, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital or parental status, or any other parts of one’s identity.

We also value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences, and aim for a work environment where everyone can perform at their best.

Application

Please send your CV, references and a short motivational letter by email to  cvfoodeu@fooddrinkeurope.eu with the subject line “Environment Senior Manager: Firstname.Lastname”. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We will not be able to acknowledge all applications received.

Deadline: 31 May 2025

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