Development Director – EHEDG

EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) is seeking a Development Director to strategically drive the expansion and innovation of its product portfolio, member network, regional presence, and training offerings. The Development Director will play a key leadership role in ensuring that EHEDG remains at the forefront of hygienic design standards and knowledge dissemination to enhance food safety and quality worldwide.

This new role combines strategic development, stakeholder engagement, content production, and market expansion, and is central to EHEDG’s growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Product Portfolio Development

• Lead the identification, development and continuous improvement, planning, and production of new guidelines, white papers, and position papers related to hygienic engineering & design in food processing.
• Coordinate expert working groups to ensure the timely and high-quality creation of technical documents that reflect the latest industry needs and scientific insights.
• Collaborate closely with the Publication and Technical Committees to align product development priorities with EHEDG’s strategic objectives.
• Monitoring and analysing emerging trends, scientific advancements and regulatory developments related to hygienic design.
• Propose and secure funding and manage budgets for special projects and/or research collaborations. 

Membership Expansion

• Develop strategies to attract new categories of members, including food producers, research institutes, and (non-)governmental organisations, beyond traditional OEMs and suppliers.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in the food industry, academia, and public sector organisations to broaden EHEDG’s influence and collaborative network.
• Work with the Communications and Marketing teams to design tailored value propositions and outreach campaigns for these new member segments.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert representing EHEDG at exhibitions, conferences, advisory panels and industry forums.
• Support member companies and the broader food industry with technical guidance and consultation services. 

Training and Knowledge Dissemination

• Organise and deliver educational programmes, workshops to decimate knowledge on hygienic engineering & design.
• Develop new training modules and advanced training materials based on updated guidelines and emerging industry topics.
• Collaborate with the EHEDG SubCom Training & Education to ensure that materials are technically robust, engaging, and accessible.
• Identify gaps in current training offerings and propose innovative formats such as deep-dive workshops, online courses, or blended learning pathways.
• Develop strategic partnerships with academic institutions, training providers, and industry leaders to expand the reach and impact of educational programmes and position EHEDG on the forefront of hygienic design & engineering within the food industry. 

Key Qualifications

• Educational Background: Master degree (or higher) in Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, or related disciplines. A postgraduate degree, a PhD or MBA is a plus.
• Experience:
  • 10 year plus experience in the food industry, hygienic design, or a related technical leadership role.
  • Proven track record in product development, stakeholder engagement, and/or regional business development.
  • In-depth knowledge of hygienic engineering principles, food safety standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Skills:
  • Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building diverse stakeholder relationships.
  • Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach to implementation.
  • Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a collaborative, international environment.
  • Experience in working in or working with non-profit organisations or voluntary member-driven organisations is a plus.
  • Authentic thinker, self-starter, collaborative team member that likes working in a diverse team, a person with a high likeability factor.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Additional languages are a plus.

Reporting & Collaboration

The Development Director reports to the EHEDG Director and works closely with the co-chairs of EHEDG Working Groups, Regional co-chairs, and the co-chairs of the SubCom Training & Education. And strongly collaborates with the Portfolio Manager. 

Location

Flexible / Remote, with periodic international travel to engage with members, regional sections, and working groups.

What We Offer

• An impactful leadership role in a mission-driven, internationally respected organisation.
• Opportunities to shape the future of hygienic design and food safety globally.
• A dynamic, collaborative team environment with global networking opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.