Head of Network & Business Development - Region West

Head of Network & Business Development - Region West

EIT Food

Belgium, UK, Netherlands or Germany

ABOUT EIT FOOD

At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions-led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work.

Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation.

Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.

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

The Head of Network and Business Development – Region West will play a pivotal role in expanding EIT Food’s network beyond its existing partnership model to further accelerate food system transformation. This position involves identifying key stakeholders, cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships, securing new funding streams, and developing an interconnected ecosystem that amplifies EIT Food’s impact.

The successful candidate will drive regional initiatives and engage with private and public stakeholders to secure non-EIT funding at national, regional, and EU levels. This will be carried out in close collaboration with the Partnership team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Network Development:
   • Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including local, regional, and national government representatives, industry associations, farmer cooperatives, and financial institutions;
   • Represent EIT Food at industry events, conferences, and high-level donor meetings to enhance visibility and credibility;
   • Act as a strategic bridge between EIT Food’s partners and external stakeholders, fostering synergies and collaboration opportunities;
   • Integrate EIT Food’s startup community, including alumni, into the broader ecosystem by fostering meaningful connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and creating collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
2. Funding Opportunities & Resource Mobilization:
   • Identify and secure funding from philanthropic foundations, multi-lateral funders, institutional donors, national/regional governments, and private-sector partners to support EIT Food’s initiatives;
   • Develop and implement a robust fundraising strategy to secure both programmatic and unrestricted funding;
   • Lead the development of high-value funding proposals, grant applications, and strategic pitches;
   • Track donor funding trends, set ambitious funding targets, and create financial projections;
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors to ensure long-term engagement and alignment with EIT Food’s mission;
   • Collaborate closely with the Head of Network and Business Development in other regions to share best practices and strengthen fundraising capabilities across the organization.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Education & Experience:

• University degree in economics, law, business management, or a related field (or equivalent experience);
• Extensive experience in nonprofit organizations or agrifood business development, particularly in Western Europe and the UK.

Fundraising & Business Development:

• Proven track record in securing substantial funding from philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and government grants;
• Demonstrated success in leading major funding bids, proposal development, and contract negotiations;
• Expertise in fundraising strategy, grant writing, and securing external financing for large-scale initiatives;
• Strong background in donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
• Knowledge of European Union funding mechanisms and hands-on experience with EU grant applications.

Network & Industry Expertise:

• Well-established network within organizations investing in agrifood transition and sustainable food systems;
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder networks and fostering strategic partnerships across sectors.

Communication & Languages:

• Fluency in English, with excellent writing, presentation, and negotiation skills;
• Proficiency in additional European languages such as French and German is a plus.

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 benefits package.

CONTRACT TYPE

Full-time permanent position.

LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY

This role can be based in any of our Western European locations: Belgium, UK, The Netherlands or Germany. 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.

Frequent travel within Europe is required.

APPLICATION

We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. While the application deadline is 25^th of March 2025, but we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate. 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.

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