Programme Manager Food Processing

Programme Manager Food Processing  
As a programme manager Food Processing you understand the vital role of food processing in strengthening food security, food safety and value addition, while responding to increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability and export competitiveness. You bring proven experience and/or a strong affinity with the food processing industry and combine technical knowledge of production technologies with an understanding of the commercial realities faced by SMEs in competitive and regulated markets. Are you ready to drive change across the broader food processing ecosystem, lead our community of experts and make a real impact? This is your opportunity!   
 
About PUM 
PUM is a unique NGO committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. With a network of 1,200 skilled voluntary experts, we collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs in 26 countries and 12 programmes, sharing expertise to strengthen business ecosystems and create economic, social, and environmental value. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the organisations that support them. We believe in the power of collaboration and in the magic that happens when diverse perspectives come together; Together we grow!  

 
The role 
As programme manager you will be part of the programmes department, consisting of 12 programme managers and led by the head of programmes. You are responsible for developing programme strategies aligned with organisational goals and partnerships opportunities, building a strong expert community, and ensuring projects are delivered successfully with lastingimpact.  You will translate client requests into clear project proposals, enabling effective matching between clients and experts, in close collaboration with our in-country managers and their team of representatives. Your daily activities will be varied and challenging: 

• You develop and guide programme plans with clear propositions to strengthen sustainable and resilient food processing ecosystems, ensuring alignment with PUM’s goals and evolving priorities, including partnership development. 
• You monitor programme developments and trends, anticipate future demand, and proactively position experts. 
• You assess project requests, distinguishing between specialised technical needs and general business support, in consultation with the in-country managers. 
• You translate client requests into actionable project proposals and ensure a strong match between client needs and expert skills. 
• You are an ambassador for diversity, growing a strong and inclusive expert community and ensuring the right expertise is ready to meet future needs. 
• You manage programme data and knowledge, capturing insights and sharing them across projects and the expert community to maximise impact and learning. 
• You coordinate project planning, manage data to support efficient delivery, and contribute as a key stakeholder by leveraging your knowledge and network to support the identification and mapping of strategic partnerships. 
• You ensure compliance with organisational policies and objectives in all projects. 

Who are you? 
As programme manager Food Processing you understand the full value chain, from raw material sourcing and processing to quality assurance, logistics and market readiness. You are familiar with a broad range of activities, including fruit and vegetable processing, grains and snacks, with particular attention to bakery and confectionery, and meat processing. You understand themes such as hygiene and food safety standards, product development, shelf-life extension, waste reduction and efficient energy and water use, as well as optimisation of production lines in both artisan and industrial settings.  
 
Does this sound like you? 

• You are a proactive, hands-on and strategic thinker with a Bachelor’s or Master’s working and thinking level. 
• You bring 10 years of experience and/or a strong affinity with food processing, combined with a relevant network and a strong understanding of strategy and business planning, including management, marketing, finance and operations. 
• You have a background in programme management and team leadership; experience working with volunteers is considered a plus. 
• You understand the business realities faced by SMEs and organisations operating in diverse and often challenging environments. 
• You thrive as a team player, using strong intercultural communication skills to work effectively with a diverse, international group of colleagues. 
• You thrive in an organisation in growth and transition and enjoy contributing to further professionalisation. 
• You are data-driven, with a strong focus on impact, quality and results, and are comfortable using digital tools, including Microsoft 365 and Dynamics. 
• You are fluent in English; French or Spanish is an advantage. 
• You are available for 37.5 hours per week (1 FTE). 

What we offer  
This position at PUM offers a competitive salary ranging from €3.946 to €5.637 gross per month based on a full-time (37.5 hours) contract. We provide numerous perks, including an 8% holiday allowance, a 13th-month bonus, 'working-from-home' and commuting allowances, 28 days of holiday, a pension plan, a vitality budget, and more. Our stunning office, conveniently located within walking distance of The Hague Central Station, boasts breathtaking views. Pre-screening is part of the selection process. At PUM, we celebrate diversity and inclusion as essential pillars of our organisation. We embrace the uniqueness of each individual, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive by being their authentic selves.  

Ready to make a difference? Join us!  
Becoming a programme manager at PUM isn’t just a career move; it’s a chance to drive meaningful change. Working at a volunteer organisation like PUM offers extra fulfilment. In addition to the benefits mentioned, here’s what else awaits you:   

• Building a brighter future: Contribute to the sustainable development of communities, cultivating a profound sense of fulfilment 

• Optimal knowledge utilisation: Put your expertise to its best use, making tangible impact on businesses worldwide.  

• Continuous learning: Embrace new perspectives and gain insights by connecting with diverse people and cultures.  

• Building a professional network: Collaborate with a vast network of stakeholders, including institutional funders, government entities, and NGOs.  

• International exposure: Immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, broadening your horizons.  

Ready to shape a brighter tomorrow? Apply now and be part of something truly meaningful! 

In the case of a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early and begin interviews before the deadline on 26 June 2026. Please submit your CV and motivation letter in English. Applying early is encouraged.