Director of Brand and Communication

Job description:   JOB DESCRIPTION The Communications unit engages a wide range of stakeholders on behalf of the organisation, advancing its mission and reinforcing EIT Food’s position as the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. It plays a pivotal role in building brand value, strengthening reputation, and expanding our network. This is achieved through the development and delivery of integrated communication and marketing strategies aligned with EIT Food’s overall strategy. The remit spans media relations, digital and online channels, public and community relations, events, sponsorship, internal communications, brand and issues management, and marketing. As a senior leader within this unit, the Director of Brand and Communication is responsible for driving engagement with key audiences, strengthening and growing the brand, and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation. The role provides strategic direction across all communication channels and activities, ensuring consistent messaging, effective brand storytelling, and proactive reputation and risk management. A central leadership responsibility is to champion and embed a cultural shift in how communication is delivered across the organisation — moving from siloed activities toward a shared-service-inspired model that drives collaboration, efficiency, consistency, and stronger outcomes. The Director operates as both a strategic leader and business partner, influencing and aligning stakeholders across the organisation to ensure that communication delivers on strategic priorities, strengthens impact, and supports long-term business objectives. The Director of Brand and Communication is a member of the EIT Food leadership team and contributes to defining and executing the organisation’s mid- and long-term strategy.    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Communication Leadership Media, Channels, and Digital Brand Management Funding & Resource Development Collaboration & Leadership Team Management & People Development Budget management and Metrics and Reporting Profile description: EXPERIENCE & SKILLS Proven leadership experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communication and branding, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Demonstrated success in leading teams, setting strategic direction, and influencing at executive level. Experience in leading a shared service model set-up is a plus Strategic vision and business acumen: strong ability to translate organizational strategy into marketing and public affairs strategy and priorities that drive measurable impact. Track record of impact: Demonstrated ability to design and deliver strategies that drive measurable results, strengthen organizational positioning, and support business priorities. Proven track record in long-term contribution by influencing business direction, strengthening external positioning, and creating sustainable value through brand and communication leadership. Complex project leadership: Extensive experience managing multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously in dynamic, high-pressure environments, with a consistent record of delivering on strategic objectives. Proven leadership in team development: demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and grow high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Adaptive leadership bringing flexibility and resilience to lead in a rapidly evolving environment and steering teams through change and uncertainty. Experience in a multiregion shared service model is a plus Redirecting resources: Skilled at managing complexity and balancing competing demands across internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to influence without direct authority. Trusted business partner: builds strong, constructive relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders, acting as an advisor and thought partner in shaping direction. Executive-level communication: exceptional written and verbal skills (English native or near-native), with the ability to craft compelling narratives and position the organization effectively across audiences. Decision-making under complexity: adept at analyzing ambiguous or complex challenges, structuring solutions, and communicating them clearly to enable organizational alignment Analytical and data-driven: combines strategic insight with analytical rigour to inform decisions, measure impact, and optimize resource use. Resource and budget leadership: Experienced in overseeing budgets and allocating resources strategically to deliver maximum business value. Aware of the current communications tools and platforms landscape. Able to provide strategic guidance to the team Proficiency in communication tools and platforms, including AI, digital communication technologies and analytics software. Thought leader within the organisation with regards to industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in communication We offer: 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. Frequent travel within Europe. APPLICATION We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. While the application deadline is 13/11/2025, 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.