Chief Executive Officer
Cycling Industries Europe
About the Organisation
CIE delivers the strengths of the cycling business sector to sustainable mobility and recreation in Europe, representing cycling businesses at the EU level. A core purpose of CIE is to demonstrate the benefits of the whole cycling ecosystem including the supply chain and service industries, and to include all dimensions of cycle use from mobility to recreation and sport.
CIE aims to double the use of bikes in Europe by 2030 and create 1 million green and sustainable jobs across the whole cycling ecosystem in the same period. Today the organization has a wide range of members from SMEs to global companies and represents all sectors including manufacturers, service providers, infrastructure, digital solutions, and shared mobility providers, represented in influential cross-sector Expert Groups that guide the development of the industry and public policy.
About the role
CEO of CIE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the European bike industry. 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 successes but also to change dimension to be seen by the EU policymakers as the go-to sectoral trade association.
CEO will provide strategic leadership, foster industry partnerships, and advocate with policymakers for the association’s goals and priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate profound leadership skills, understanding of the whole cycling industry and legislation as well as sound management experience.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Members Management:
- Develop and implement a forward-looking vision and strategy for CIE, aligning with the organization’s mission, and 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 infrastructure).
- 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 organizations, 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.) by the President and Board of Director’s recommendation.
- Association with industry actors, policymakers, 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.
Expertise and Effective Communication:
- Understanding the functioning of the European Union and its internal dynamics is a must.
- Capacity to connect CIE’s agenda to the policy priorities of the European Union, and develop and maintain a network with high-level stakeholders.
- 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.
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.
- Organizing 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 and companies’ legal framework in Belgium.
- Head of Operations, financial planning, and management of the organization’s budget.
- Diversifying the source of revenues through for example participation in European Projects.
- Establish strategic partnerships with other trade associations and actors to advance the interests of the association.
- Organization and planning of the CIE annual assembly by the Board. Presentation of the financial results, priorities, and planning for the future.
Skills, Competencies & Experience
- Knowledge, and ability to rapidly develop a good understanding of the sector, industrial policy, mobility and transport, and allied issues to support overall CIE’s communications initiatives in addressing diverse stakeholders
- Ability to translate complex technical and industrial concepts into understandable messages to policymakers.
- Team leadership and team 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 and 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 in the industrial sector.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Remuneration
- Others Benefits
Working locations
- Remotely working in Brussels Belgium
How to apply
- Send an email to [email protected] with a CV and a cover letter by 19th January 2025.
Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.