We're looking for a dynamic Director to lead Metabolic Institute -the non-profit, research entity of Metabolic. As an impact-driven organization, the role is twofold: on the one hand, strategically shepherding Metabolic’s research program along an impact-driven theory of change, and on the other, fostering strategic partnerships with research partners and funders.

In a diverse and fast-growing organization, you will play pivotal internal and external facing roles. You will be the public face of the Institute and champion its strategy, program, and partnerships through speaking and networking engagements worldwide. You will also be responsible for internally aligning the Institute’s work with the broader Metabolic ecosystem -ensuring alignment on mission and approach and effectively fostering knowledge sharing between the various entities. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, methodological rigour, and fundraising expertise are essential.

You will be responsible for leading the Institute team. You and your team will work across a range of disciplines, including: circular cities and regions, industrial ecology, sustainable value chains (e.g. built environment, textiles, agrifood, energy, plastics), environmental monitoring and evaluation, circular entrepreneurship, and impact finance. For further insight into the Institute’s portfolio of projects, please refer to CENTRINNO, REFLOW, the Global Metabolism Initiative, DLT4EU, Circular Finance, and FOODE.

Internally, you will form a crucial linking pin between the Institute and other departments such as the consultancy, software, business development, finance, and operations, and steward efforts to build effective alignment on internal management processes, strategic direction, and knowledge transfer across all teams. The Institute team will look to you for mentorship and leadership in the form of vision and strategy setting, methodological approach, and personal development.

You will serve as a public champion for the Institute, networking to form key partnerships that accelerate our impact. You will guide your team and mobilize capacity within the broader Metabolic staff to create large-scale, holistic research programs with high relevance and reach. As the ecosystem's international footprint grows, you will develop a strategy and staff appropriate to new market contexts.

• 5-10 years of experience in environmental / sustainability research

• 5+ years of experience in leading a thriving multidisciplinary team 

• Masters Degree or PhD in disciplines relating to sustainability 

• Experience with fundraising

• Excellent public speaking and writing skills

• Experience shaping large-scale, consortium based research programs 

• Exemplary interpersonal skills

• Entrepreneurial spirit - enthusiasm and willingness to experiment with new ideas in a scale-up environment

• Natural networking ability and affinity for building meaningful partnerships for impact

• Passion for sustainability and systems change 

• For non-EU/EEA applicants: The role is dependent upon obtaining a visa to live and work in the Netherlands. Metabolic is a recognised visa sponsor and may support the successful candidate's application for a work visa.

Be part of a dynamic, ambitious and international team that is passionate about sustainability and technology and making an impact. Collaborate and work alongside world-class experts in the fields of sustainability and circularity from our sister companies in the wider ecosystem. We are growing fast and are very passionate about changing the world together.

This opportunity will place you in an environment that values people with their own ideas and initiatives. We believe in flat hierarchies, shared decision-making and impact over profit. You will be able to participate in an evolving decentralized governance system and be part of a close-knit community of people with shared interests and a strong company culture.