Since launching in November 2022, Blue Horizon’s job board and talent network has rapidly gained traction, establishing itself as a dynamic ecosystem that connects forward-thinking companies with exceptional talent across the sustainable food space. With over 200 opportunities from 82 companies and over 185 talents as of this June, the platform has become the industry’s largest, demonstrating Blue Horizon’s commitment to driving the future of sustainable food.
From plant-based product development to regenerative agriculture, alternative proteins and circular economy solutions, the job board presents a wide range of career opportunities within the food industry. Of the 200 listings, the most sought-after roles are technical positions that require a scientific or engineering background.
Solutions to global challenges
Blue Horizon director Robert Bower discussed this interesting trend in an interview for the International Edition of Protein Production Technology in February, and the trend continues to date. This emphasis on technological efficiency highlights the industry’s current need for innovation, research and scalable solutions to address the global challenges associated with food production and consumption.
The Talent Network boasts an incredible diversity of applicants across geographies, career stages, previous employers and areas of expertise. All five continents are represented in our talent pool, with the largest number of applicants from the United States. Applicants average nearly 9 years of professional experience, illustrating how recent graduates and professionals with more than 40 years of career share a vision to transform the food system.
The breadth of expertise within the talent network reflects the multidisciplinary skills needed to accelerate progress within the food industry. Students and recent graduates from Cornell, Stanford, and Cambridge (especially from their Alternative Protein Society) are among the youngest in the pool, with expertise in food science, research, operations, process engineering, policy, and finance. Most of the talent in more established careers is already in the food industry or from companies focused on sustainability, such as Nestle, Schouten Food, Foodanza, Unmeat, Finless Foods, EIT Food, CHKN No Chicken etc.
Even among talent with experience in the food industry, there is a range of skills, from founders and CEOs to sustainability strategists, global marketing heads, faculty lecturers and experts in plant-based proteins. Blue Horizon’s ecosystem facilitates connections between organizations seeking diverse talent and unique skills, resulting in numerous applications and exciting possibilities.
Purpose is an emphasis
When exploring the motivations behind joining networks and applying to available lists, a common thread emerges. Talent consistently emphasizes purpose, recognizing the food system as an area where they can maximize impact and value through their careers. This sentiment resonates strongly with talent transitioning from other career paths as well as those who have devoted most of their professional lives to companies such as Nestlé, Restaurant Brands International and Hungry Planet.
For example, one talent reveals a deep passion for creative storytelling and the potential to reshape the way we view food consumption because of his experience as a senior vice president at a media agency. He highlights the importance of effective communication and the power of marketing to bring about positive changes in consumer behavior and food choices.
A director of planning and operations at a US consumer products and food supply company was drawn to Blue Horizon’s job board as he sought a company at the forefront of rebuilding a better food system and agricultural landscape while attracting equally passionate talent. Similarly, a director of business development in the packaging industry discussed his goal to actively support plant-based food consumption by emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values ​​with his professional expertise in product management to effect change in the sustainable food industry.
Mission-aligned careers
Another venture partner of a plant-based VC at Talent Network cited his family’s background in food production as the driving force behind his decision to shift his career toward impact investing in the food sector. Moreover, another talent’s exposure to sustainability challenges while in the luxury retail business fueled his passion to work for biotechnology companies dedicated to developing sustainable materials for fashion and other sectors. Collectively, these narratives underscore the growing trend of professionals seeking to align their careers with innovative and purpose-driven organizations that lead the rebuilding of a better food system.
With its global reach and incredible talent pool, Blue Horizon’s initiative to create job boards and talent networks stands as a testament to the growing momentum of the sustainable food movement. As the number of talent and companies within the network expands, so too does the potential to bring diverse talent together, connect and advance the sustainable food industry.
Blue Horizon Jobs Board – https://jobs.bluehorizon.com/jobs
Blue Horizon Talent Network – https://jobs.bluehorizon.com/talent-network/login