FoodDrinkEurope is recruiting a candidate to champion the role of research and innovation and to advocate for regulation that enables safe, affordable and sustainable food and drink.
The successful candidate will be forward-thinking and dynamic, able to bridge the gap between research, innovation and real-world application alongside supportive policies.
In addition, the candidate will be an excellent networker able to build strategic partnerships and to identify and manage EU projects that will shape future food systems policy.
Applicants should demonstrate initiative, energy, and commitment to delivering a competitive and trusted food system.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a dynamic international team in Brussels, at the heart of the EU’s largest manufacturing industry – one that includes 310,000 businesses and 4.8 million employees and plays a vital role in Europe’s future.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Monitor, analyse, and anticipate EU policy and regulatory developments relevant to research and innovation, sustainability and food systems, translating complex issues into clear insights and briefings for members and policymakers
- Develop and manage industry positions and advocacy messages at the intersection of research, innovation and regulation, in close coordination with internal policy teams
- Coordinate and manage EU-funded projects, including Horizon Europe and other relevant programmes, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and compliance with project requirements
- Support and contribute to the work of the European Technology Platform “Food for Life” and other relevant innovation networks
- Act as a focal point for innovation and partnerships, engaging with EU institutions, platforms, research bodies, and multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Organise and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events with members and external partners, including agenda-setting, preparation of briefing materials, and follow-up actions
- Represent FoodDrinkEurope in working groups, project consortia, and stakeholder meetings
- Contribute to internal and external communication activities, helping showcase research and innovation priorities, project outcomes, and partnerships.
Qualifications
- Degree and/or professional experience in food, science and technology, life sciences, agriculture, sustainability, EU policy or similar
- At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in EU affairs, research and innovation, project management, or partnership coordination
- Demonstrated experience with EU-funded programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe) and/or EU policy processes
- Strong understanding of the EU institutional and regulatory environment
- Full professional fluency in English. Additional EU languages are an asset
Competencies
- Demonstrated interest in R&I and the food and drink industry
- Strong interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multicultural teams
- Ability to multi-task, well-organised and detail-oriented
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Our offer
- An open-ended Belgian contract with a competitive salary package and additional benefits including a pension, health insurance and meal vouchers
- Unique visibility of and 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 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
As the workplace location is Brussels, we can only consider candidates that hold an EU work permit.
Please send your CV and a short motivational letter by e-mail to cvfoodeu@fooddrinkeurope.eu no later than February 18, with the subject line “Innovation and Partnerships Manager: your name”. The first round of interviews will take place in February.