Manager Competitiveness

Association Independent Retail Europe

Start date
September 2026

About the Organisation

Independent Retail Europe is the European trade association of groups and associations of independent retailers. Our association defends the interests of the independent retail sector, including large groups of independent retailers, in EU policy and legislation development. We work on a very wide range of EU policy issues that concern the modern independent food and non-food retail sector.

Established in 1963, Independent Retail Europe represents today 479.000 independent retailers with a combined retail turnover of over 1.446 billion euros and 708.000 points of sales, employing over 6,3 million people and generating a combined wholesale turnover of more than 657 billion euros.

About the role

In order to support our advocacy activities, we are looking to employ an experienced and dynamic Manager Competitiveness to drive our agenda on key priority policy issues. You will engage closely with our members across Europe and various stakeholders to advance the sector’s interests. You will work in close cooperation with the Director General as well as the 4 other members of our multicultural team.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy monitoring, intelligence gathering, and analysis: Identifying and analysing relevant policy and regulatory initiatives. Unfair Trading Practices, Territorial Supply Constraints, Digital Policy, Payment Systems.
• Stakeholder collaboration and consensus building: Proactively driving the association’s agenda and independently managing files. Working in close cooperation with members and ensuring they are properly informed on developments and initiatives. Facilitating consensus among members. Developing policy recommendations, positions, and responses to consultations on policy and regulatory issues.
• Advocacy and network expansion: Developing and leading the implementation of advocacy strategies. Representing the association in EU advisory and working groups and other relevant fora. Building and maintaining a strong network of contacts with members, EU institutions, and stakeholders. Providing creative ideas and solutions for advocacy, events, and further outreach.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

• 6-10 years EU lobbying experience in European affairs (trade association, consultancy, corporate representation) with an excellent understanding of the functioning of the EU Institutions and legislative process;
• Knowledge of food/non-food supply chain issues (Unfair Trading Practices, Territorial Supply Constraints), and of e-commerce-related digital policy is expected. Knowledge of payment systems is considered a plus
• Analytical and conceptual, ability to digest large amounts of information and capture the business impact; Ability to manage a lobbying process on a file from start to finish.
• Full English proficiency (excellent writing is a must), fluent in French
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact with high-level policy makers, corporate counsels, and CEOs, and previous networking experience in EU circles
• Dynamic self-starter and team player, quality- and result-oriented

Required Qualifications

• Relevant Master’s degree with a good understanding of EU competition law

Compensation & Benefits

• Standard employment contract based on Belgian law.
• Attractive salary and package including group insurance, transport, meal and eco vouchers, 25 standard holidays + additional days;
• Opportunity to grow professionally and gain unique insights into supply chain dynamics and policymaking, having an impact on an entire European sector.
• Join a multicultural and high-performance team in a positive working atmosphere with flexible working conditions.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• Interested? If you are ready to explore this exciting opportunity, please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV, to Sigrid Ligné at [email protected] stating the job title "Manager Competitiveness" in the subject line.
• Please ensure that your cover letter, which should be in English and a maximum of two pages, clearly outlines why you are suitable for the position and what motivates you to apply, explaining how your qualifications and experience align with the job requirements mentioned above.
• The deadline to apply is 18th April 2026; applications will be processed on a rolling basis until the role is filled, and early applications are thus encouraged.

Return to listing