Join the talents of the Cycling Industries Europe team

CIE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all interested candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health, or disabilities.

Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) has an exciting opportunity for a Project Officer to play a leading role in developing our expertise and knowledge in the area of sustainability, circularity and industry data standardisation.

The cycling businesses of Europe are ambitious. We support companies to build an industry that is one of the most sustainable, competitive and innovative, contributing to the economic and environmental success of Europe. We support companies directly via our advocacy, programmes, research and expert groups and we bring companies together to build a stronger and better-connected industry.

Purpose of Role:

The post-holder will play a vital role in driving sustainability initiatives and supporting circular economy practices, and/or developing standards for cycling industry data initiatives, including standardisation activities. With a focus on project management, the successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure that the organization's European project commitments are met. This role offers considerable scope for personal and professional growth, with opportunities to shape and expand the portfolio of activities.

Scope of Role:

  • Project Management and Collaboration: Lead sustainability and mobility-focused projects, ensuring alignment with European funding requirements, and coordinate with multi-partner consortia and stakeholders.

  • Sustainability Innovation: Develop and implement sustainability strategies, with knowledge about European policy on circular economy and life cycle analysis.

  • Industry Data and Standardisation: Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze cycling industry data, with previous experience developing data into industry standards.

  • Advocacy and Communication: Act as an expert advocate, producing reports, case studies, and communication materials, and supporting events to promote sustainability and cycling mobility initiatives.

Essential Requirements:

  • At least 3 years of experience in European funded projects,

  • Experience in sustainability and circular economy initiatives and/or working with industry data and standardisation processes.

  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, track, and deliver projects effectively.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

  • Ability to lead the work of an industry membership group, coordinating and collaborating with Members to shape European policy.

  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Desirable Requirements:

  • Experience in contributing and leading areas of multi-partner projects and working within consortia.

  • Knowledge of European policies and frameworks related to sustainability, the circular economy and/or data standards and processes for industry.

Employment arrangements, terms and conditions

These terms and conditions are indicative and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. No detail expressed here can be considered part of an employment offer and all employment terms are determined by the Belgian employment law in force during the period of employment.

We reserve the right not to make an appointment based on this current advertisement and to re-advertise on our terms.

The package here reflects what we offer our full-time employees, with our aim to offer an employment package in line with similar NGOs in our sector.

Contractual basis and package:

  • This is a full-time, one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal.
  • Salary and benefits relevant to experience and role;
  • 13th month payment;
  • Lunch vouchers and travel allowance;
  • 20 days legal and 10 days extra-legal holiday per year.

Hours and location:

  • We hope successful candidates will be available to start no later than the first half of  March 2025;
  • Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Belgium;
  • All employees are expected to attend key events and meetings in Brussels and in other countries on a routine basis;
  • Employees currently have the option to work at home some of their working week, but currently the team averages 50-80% in the Brussels office.

Application

A CV together with a covering letter expanding on the application for the post should be sent in confidence using the email address info@cyclingindustries.com by close of business on Monday 27 January 2025. Include details of your current salary in the covering letter.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview in mid February 2025. We apologise, but due to limited capacity only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

The new CEO of CIE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the European bike industries. The sector has had recent successes with the European Declaration on Cycling and the inclusion of cycling in the EU’s Mobility Transition  Pathway for industrial policy. As the sector is consolidating, CIE  needs to capitalize on its legacy and successeses but also to change dimension to be seen by the EU policy makers as the go to sectoral trade association. 

The CEO will provide strategic leadership, foster industry partnerships, and advocate with policy makers for the association’s goals and priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate profound leadership skills, understanding in the whole cycling industry and legislation as well as sound management experience.  
 

Profile of the candidate sought: 

The Board of CIE has defined the candidate they are seeking as follows: 

  • Team leadership/teamplayer in order to create a strong Brussels team 
  • Long term strategic thinker  
  • Communication skills to adapt complex messages in a comprehensible manner to all parties 
  • Good understanding of Brussels/EC and national policy processes 
  • Manager of strategic partnerships (content and financial) 
  • Focus on fulfillment of the industries’ goals and taking relevant decisions with the CIE Board.  
  • Desirable: Understanding of the regulatory framework for mobility or the industrial sector 

Missions and Responsibilities

The new CEO of Cycling Industries Europe will be expected to build on the achievements of the current team in addressing the main strategic priorities for the coming years, including by developing a new strategy and activities plan following the upcoming European Parliament elections and based on the composition of the new European Commission. The new CEO should also be able to develop technical knowledge and understanding of the cycling  industry and its environment, based on experience within the sector or from other industries.  

1. Leadership and Members Management 

  • Develop and implement a forward-looking vision and strategy for CIE, aligning with the organisation’s mission, values with the support of the President and the Board of directors. 
  • Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the business environment of the cycling sectors (micro-mobility, alternative transport, new usages, innovation and infrastucture). Long term strategic thinker as per the cycling industry’s future and the positioning of the trade association in these discussions.  
  • Foster strong and transparent relationships with member organisations, the President and the Board of Directors to ensure healthy and efficient collaboration. 
  • Efficiently and strategically manage the evolution and growth of the CIE membership (criteria to become a member, potential new membership types or levels, etc.) in accordance with the President and Board of Director’s recommendation. 
  • Be the face of the Association with industry actors, policy makers and technical bodies. Lead the high-level advocacy efforts of the Association and its efforts to advance the cause of the cycling sector. 
  • Maintain and create effective member engagement through structures such as expert groups, working groups and projects. 

2. Expertise and effective communication 

  • Current knoweledge or ability to rapidly develop good understanding of the sector, industrial policy, mobility and transport and allied issues in order to support overall CIE’s communications initiatives in addressing diverse stakeholders. 
  • Understanding of the functioning of the European Union and internal dynamics is a must. 
  • Capacity to connect CIE’s agenda to the policy priorities of the European Union, develop and maintain a network with high level stakeholders.  
  • Ability to translate complex technical and industrial concepts into understandable messages to policy makers.  Reversely, be able to explain to the industry the impact of policy initiatives on members’ business models and how to take advantage of them.  
  • Attach the industry’s interest to a large public debate on transport, mobility and sustainability goals. 
  • Enhance the visibility and reputation of the organization through thought leadership, public speaking and media engagements, and public relations activities.  

3. Trade association management   

  • Management of a team of 5 persons. The CEO will have to demonstrate his ability to lead the team and create a cohesive atmosphere, experience in that matter is a must. Understanding of human resources concept and practicalities. Organising the work of the team, objectives, KPIs and annual review performance. 
  • Legal management of the association and responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient management, as well as compliance with the local legislation. Understanding of the association/companies’ legal framework in Belgium.  
  • Together with the Head of Operations, financial planning and management of the organization’s budget. Diversifying the source of revenues through for example participation to European Projects. Establish strategic partnerships with other trade association and actors to advance the interests of the association. 
  • Organisation and planning of CIE annual assembly in accordance with the Board. Presentation of the financial results, priorities and planning for the future.  

Why you should be interested in this role 

  • Lead a well-established association and have impact on a number of topics linked to alternative mobility and sustainable transports agenda in the European Union.  
  • Participate in the transformation journey of the organization and desire to promote the cycling sector as an inevitable partner on transport and mobility issues at EU and member states level.  
  • Convinced about innovation and the potential of the sector as a tool to de-carbonize transport and support climate change agenda.  
  • Interact directly with decision makers/partners within the community and sector in Europe and globally, and further grow an extensive strong professional network. 
  • Work with a highly qualified, motivated and driven team. 
  • Further build management experience leading a strong and multicultural team. 

Remuneration  

  • Full time employee contract in Belgium or consultant contract  
  • Competitive remuneration based on experience.  

How to apply  

Please send your CV and cover letter by email to Julien.Schiettecatte(at)mavence.com, mentionning “ CIE – CEO” in the object.