Vacant job

We are strengthening our team focused on food development and are looking for you who have previous experience with food issues, are good at building and maintaining relationships, and are accustomed to driving projects and keeping track of details.

You will become part of a team that develops and supports the food industry in Kalmar County. Food Development South East drives or participates in numerous projects, such as promoting plant-based proteins, blue food, regenerative food chains, and initiatives to strengthen innovation and competitiveness for food companies. The role may involve contributing to further development efforts and collaborative projects.

A central part of the assignment is to lead the project Resilient Meals in Kalmar County, which strengthens food companies' ability to develop sustainable and resilient products through collaboration between businesses, research, and public meal services. The project is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the Region of Kalmar County, and Formas, and will run from autumn 2026 for three years.

You will join a dedicated team at IUC Kalmar County with broad competence and a strong network within industry and food. The position offers great freedom under responsibility and the opportunity to influence direction and content. We work from modern premises on Varvsholmen in Kalmar, but we are often on the move throughout Kalmar County.

About the role

As a Food Industry Coach, you will lead, coordinate, and carry out activities within the Resilient Meals project as well as other development initiatives that strengthen the growth of food companies in Kalmar County. You will work closely with companies, academia, public operations, and other actors in the regional support system.

The work includes, among other things:

• Leading, coordinating, and reporting on the Resilient Meals project.
• Planning and conducting workshops, training, study visits, test labs, and competence development initiatives.
• Contributing to collaboration and development work within Food Development South East.
• Identifying companies' needs and connecting them with relevant competence, research, contacts, and support.

Who are you?

We are looking for you who are proactive, solution-oriented, and thrive in a role where you get to coordinate people and ideas. Perhaps you have an inner drive and want to contribute to changing and improving the food sector for the future?

We believe you have:

• Experience in driving projects, preferably in collaboration with many stakeholders, and are comfortable leading processes.
• Knowledge of and experience from the food industry. You therefore understand the conditions and development needs of companies.
• It is meritorious if you have a network within the food chain and experience with projects funded through public or regional development funds.

Our activities take place both physically and digitally, and sometimes travel is required. You have a driver's license and access to your own car.

The position is a project employment ranging from 60–80%, depending on the scope of ongoing and upcoming projects, as well as based on dialogue with the applicant.

Apply by August 16. Selection is made on an ongoing basis.

Email your application to [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!