Position Summary:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Food-Tech Innovation
We are seeking an ambitious and proactive CEO with preferability a strong scientific background.
Ideally, an intrapreneur or entrepreneur experienced in creating intellectual property, determined to focus on IP capture through products development.
Our ideal candidate possesses a sharp business/commercial acumen, capable of quickly securing deals with clients and creating value. This leader will build a team from scratch and rapidly scale it to meet the project's growth ambitions. Lastly, this individual must adeptly manage the company's finances and budget, efficiently monitoring costs while considering the company's high growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Business Strategy Development: Develop and implement the overall business strategy, creating a clear vision for company’s development in the Food-Tech sector.
- Product Development Oversight: Monitor and drive product development initiatives to ensure alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
- Sales: Spearhead sales efforts to promote and sell innovative Food-Tech products in target markets.
- Partnership & Relationship Building: Establish strong partnerships and strategic relationships, nurturing alliances with key stakeholders such as partners, suppliers, and customers.
- Build an Effective Team: Recruit and lead a dynamic team, empowering and delegating responsibilities effectively. (Immediate focus on recruiting 2 new food scientists).
- Financial Management: Oversee financial operations, ensuring stability and sustainability through a comprehensive understanding of P&L, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow Management, and general finance and budgeting.
- Board Establishment: Build a Board of Directors and a Scientific Board/Committee for strategic guidance.
- Raising Capital & Investor Relations: Proactively raise capital while managing investor relations to secure funding for the company's growth and innovation initiatives.
Profile & Personality:
- Passionate & Ambitious: A fervent force with a passion for driving change and ambition to make a significant impact in the realm of Food-Tech Innovation.
- Environmentally Conscious: Dedicated to changing the world, particularly sensitive to climate and environmental issues, with a commitment to sustainable business practices.
- Deep Interest in Food-tech: Possesses a profound understanding and interest in Food & Ingredients Alternatives, keeping abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
- Innovation-Driven: Thrives on innovation, continuously seeking new and improved solutions to drive the company forward.
- Action-Oriented Doer: Ready to be hands-on, willing to delve into fieldwork when necessary to ensure the success of projects.
- Multi-tasking Team Player: Comfortable in a small team environment, willing to engage in diverse activities as required to contribute to the overall success of the organization.
- Organized & Efficient: Methodical and structured in approach, ensuring optimal efficiency in operations to meet organizational goals.
- Proven Executive Leadership: Prior experience in General Management or in similar high-level executive roles in fast-paced environments or startups.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Proficient in presenting and communicating ideas effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
- Decision-Making: Capable of making strategic decisions to drive business growth, with a keen understanding of the consequences and opportunities associated with those decisions.
Skills
- Scientific Background: Essential qualifications in Engineering or Nutrition.
- Industry Experience: Demonstrated experience in senior management within the Food/Nutrition sector.
- Market Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the Food/Ingredients BE, EU Market and wanting to expand internationally.
- Comprehensive Management Skills: Proficiency in Business Development, Brand Management, B2B Sales, etc.
- Financials: Understanding of P&L, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow Management, and general finance and budgeting.
- IP & Licensing Knowledge: Familiarity with IP creation, protecting, patenting, and licensing models.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in FR/NL/EN (MUST), DU is an asset.