Chief Business Development Officer - European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food

EIT Food is Europe’s leading food innovation initiative. We are active in the agri-food sector and inspire, coordinate and fund a network of world-class partners to transform the food system to improve the health of citizens and the environment. Supported by the EU, our main task is to transform the European food system to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 by using our unique ecosystem of large argi-food multinationals, SMEs, University and R&D Institutions partners to work together within the major agri-food value chains as orchestrator and funder.We create connections right across the food system that stimulate new ideas and innovations to drive change: between startups and corporates; between food entrepreneurs and investors; between consumers and industry; between research and action; between ideas and reality; between present and future.

EIT Food is seeking to appoint a Chief Business Development Officer, a newly created role reporting directly to the CEO. The CBDO will be a key member of the Executive Management Team, ensuring the continued financial sustainability of EIT Food during this exciting period of change. The CBDO will be responsible for the financial and fundraising strategy of the organisation and will be instrumental in developing and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders such as public-sector bodies, academic organisations, trusts and charitable foundations.

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape and advance the future of EIT Food. The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with a demonstrable track record in business development in an international organisation. They will have strong commercial acumen and have excellent knowledge of the European research funding landscape as well as the interface between research and industry. Candidates for the post will have proven relationship-building skills with experience engaging with research organisations, the food industry, public sector, charitable foundations and other relevant stakeholders.

How to apply

EIT Food will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the search committee in the discharge of its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role, and to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates.

Applications should comprise a full curriculum vitae along with a covering letter of application addressing the role and person specification.

Applications can be uploaded via Perrett Laver’s website at: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference 6788.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13th October 2023 at 12:00 CET.

Applications will be considered by the selection committee in October and shortlisted candidates will be invited to first screening interviews in the last two weeks of October. A shortlist will be decided in November and the shortlisted candidates will be invited to 2 rounds of interviews. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate and final on-site visits will take place thereafter.

EIT Food is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and equity in our workforce enriches our organization and enhances our ability to provide innovative solutions.  We are an open culture where everyone is supported to fulfill their potential.  We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our success and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome.  EIT Food provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship or any other aspect which makes them unique.

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