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

 

This exciting and high-profile opportunity is open to well-connected candidates with a track record in developing impactful advocacy strategies and leading successful teams to shape positive environmental policy in Europe. The candidate will have excellent technical knowledge on environmental topics from within the food or other industry sectors.

 

The successful candidate will proactively lead the industry to meet its ambitious environmental goals, while remaining globally competitive.

 

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a dynamic international team at the heart of the EU’s largest manufacturing industry – one that includes over 310,000 businesses and 4.8 million employees and plays a vital role in Europe’s future.

 

Responsibilities

 

The successful applicant will:

 

  • Lead FoodDrinkEurope’s Environment Department, developing an ambitious strategy and managing the departmental team in its core goal to support EU environment policy allows businesses to be competitive and sustainable.
  • Go beyond advocacy to work on concrete actions FoodDrinkEurope can take to help food and drink businesses meet EU environmental goals. 
  • Join the FoodDrinkEurope leadership team, with fellow directors, to shape the overarching industry approach to deliver sustainable and resilient food systems.
  • Work closely with other FoodDrinkEurope departments to ensure alignment on cross-cutting topics.
  • Prepare and lead the FoodDrinkEurope Environment and Sustainability 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.
  • Represent FoodDrinkEurope at events and official meetings.
  • Support the Director General in achieving the goals of the organisation.

 

Qualifications

 

  • University degree related to the environment, climate change and sustainable food systems and/or equivalent experience.
  • 15+ years of work experience in EU or member state public affairs related to the environment, climate change and sustainable industry.
  • Ideally the candidate will also have experience and knowledge around the development and implementation of corporate sustainability reporting requirements.

 

Skills and competencies

 

  • Excellent writing, communication, networking and negotiation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to align different interests and influence the political process.
  • Affinity with the food and drink sector.
  • Fluent English, other EU languages an asset.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • An EU work permit is required.


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 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 15 April 2026, with the subject line “Environment Director: your name”. The first round of interviews will take place second half of April. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

 

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