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
You will implement and support projects dedicated to startups, entrepreneurs and the agrifood industry. Your role will involve coordinating activities, ensuring successful implementation, and building a strong ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Project Coordination and Delivery
- Plan and deliver startup-focused projects, ensuring alignment with EIT Food’s Business Plan and strategic objectives.
- Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and KPIs, while ensuring efficient and effective resource allocation.
- Monitor and report on project progress, addressing risks proactively to ensure objectives are met.
- Manage subcontractors and external delivery partners to ensure high-quality execution and compliance with EIT Food guidelines.
- Oversee financial and operational aspects of projects, including budgeting, procurement, and reporting.
Ecosystem Engagement
- Establishing and maintaining insightful relationships with startup by being a single point of contact
- Engaging in scouting startups and entrepreneurial talents for EIT Food programmes by reaching out directly to talents, startups and through partnerships with stakeholders such as incubators, accelerators, VC funds, industry associations, and regional authorities.
- Collaborate with EIT Food Hubs and other EIT communities to strengthen connections and share good practices.
- Engage directly with startups and entrepreneurial talents, ensuring their integration into EIT Food programmes and activities.
- You will interact with students, scientists, alumni of EIT Food activities, companies, farmers within the food system to promote entrepreneurial development, open innovations, and science-industry knowledge transfer
- A close cooperation with EIT Food Business Creation Team and Activity Leaders of relevant Flagship programmes will be expected (Rising Food Stars, EIT Food Sparks, EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN), EIT Food Seedbed)
Innovation and Impact Creation
- Identify opportunities for joint projects between startups and EIT Food partners, fostering innovation and value creation.
- Monitor and evaluate the success of supported startups, preparing impact reports and insights to meet KPIs.
- Actively seeking funding and revenue generating opportunities for EIT Food activities to ensure long-term financial sustainability
Operational Support and Reporting
- Provide operational support for startups and entrepreneurs erlated activities, including data collection, financial management, and project documentation.
- Ensure compliance with EIT Food’s financial and operational standards.
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Finance, Operations, Communicationamong others) to optimize project delivery
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Master's degree or professional training related to entrepreneurship, innovation management, and business management
- Education or experience in the agrifood sector is a strong advantage.
- Minimum 3 years of project management experience, including at least 2 years working with startups, technology markets, or entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences.
- Openness and proven ability to establish trust as well as the capacity for building alliances between industry, public sector, research, education and other stakeholders, including remote communication with international teams
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms for professional purposes.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken); additional European languages are a plus.
- A proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven mindset, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
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 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 will be required.
APPLICATION
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. While the application deadline is 27th of June 2025 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.
.
