FoodDrinkEurope is looking for an exceptional candidate to lead its Food Safety Department.

This exciting and high-profile opportunity is open to candidates with extensive knowledge of food safety policy development, an ability to motivate team members, and a talent for translating complicated scientific topics into language that can be understood by policymakers, media and consumers. 

FoodDrinkEurope is the organisation of the European food and drink manufacturing industry, which is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the EU, made up of 291,000 businesses and 4.6 million employees. The successful candidate will proactively lead the industry to maintain the highest standards of food safety.  

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will:

• Lead FoodDrinkEurope’s Food Safety Department, developing an ambitious strategy and managing the departmental team.
• Represent FoodDrinkEurope at external events, conferences and high profile meetings. 
• Join the FoodDrinkEurope leadership team, with fellow directors, to shape the overarching industry approach to deliver sustainable, competitive and resilient food systems.
• Prepare and lead the FoodDrinkEurope Food Safety Committee and relevant working groups.
• Ensure the department delivers regular updates, briefings, and publications for FoodDrinkEurope members and other target audiences.
• Engage, collaborate and build positive relationships with the EU institutions and other key stakeholders.
• Support the Director General in achieving the goals of the organisation.

Qualifications

• University degree related to biology, chemistry, food technology, toxicology, food science or related areas
• 10+ years of work experience in EU (public/policy) affairs related to food safety.
• Fluent in English (other EU languages are an asset)
• Hold an EU work permit  

Skills and competencies

• Proven experience within trade associations and/or stakeholder management
• Deep understanding of both the food and drink sector and the EU policy-making process
• A scientific academic background with a strong focus in agri-food sciences or food technology is preferred (areas of expertise may include: food safety and quality control, food contact materials, food improvement agents, novel foods, EU research & innovation in agri-food)
• Demonstrated experience in team management, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide team members effectively
• Strong analytical skills to assess and identify implications to the food and drink industry from changes in regulation, and propose constructive actions together with stakeholders and EU institution representatives
• Demonstrated strong time and resource management skills, with an ability to consistently delivering results under pressure.

Our offer

• An open-ended Belgian contract with a competitive salary package that includes benefits such as health insurance, meal vouchers, pension scheme and more
• Unique visibility of 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 and a short motivational letter by email to  cvfoodeu@fooddrinkeurope.eu no later than 10 December 2024, with the subject line “Food Safety Director: your name”. The first round of interviews will take place in the last weeks of December and early January.

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

Candidate data will only be used for recruitment purposes and until the position is filled. Your data will not be transferred to third parties. Privacy policy can be found on our website.

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