Is AgriFoodTech your game and building a better world your aim? Do you get excited about coaching international B2B AgriFoodTech startups to validate their propositions? Do you love working with energetic founders? Join StartLife as Program manager!

StartLife is the top AgriFoodTech startup accelerator in The Netherlands and Europe, co-founded by Wageningen University & Research. We offer a world-class acceleration program, top industry business mentors, non-equity funding and access to a global community of startups, investors, corporates and experts. Since 2010 we’ve supported 400+ AgriFoodTech startups that have raised over €825 million follow-on capital.

About the position

As StartLife’s Program Manager, you play a key role in shaping and executing our acceleration programs, empowering Europe’s most promising food & ag startups to grow, scale, and make real impact. Together with the Head of Programs, you ensure smooth delivery of both the Accelerate and A La Carte programs.

You’ll grow fast in this role, get to know the startup scene inside-out, meet the most inspiring impact-driven F&A startups, come across breakthrough technologies and work with an amazing team at StartLife!

As StartLife’s Program manager, you

  • Run the Accelerate and A La Carte Programs: design, plan and execute program activities that ensure the best possible experience for participating startups.
  • Select and monitor startups: define and execute an effective selection strategy and track progress through measurable objectives.
  • Drive engagement and experience: cultivate strong relationships with founders, mentors, and partners, fostering collaboration and energy throughout the programs.
  • Showcase and celebrate success: plan and deliver impactful Demo Days, and collaborate with the marcom team to share startup achievements, stories and highlights online and at events.
  • Oversee budgets and resources: manage program finances effectively and seek opportunities to strengthen the program’s sustainability.

We ask

You’re a proactive, hands-on professional who thrives in a dynamic startup environment and enjoys helping founders grow. You bring experience, structure, and energy to everything you do.

You have:

  • +5 years Startup and sector experience: hands-on experience as an early-stage founder or early employee in food, agri, or other tech-driven sectors, with a deep understanding of startups, entrepreneurs, and overall business dynamics.
  • Ecosystem knowledge and analytical thinking: a solid understanding of the agrifoodtech ecosystem, an active network, and strong academic/analytical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills: confident in English, public speaking, training, hosting, and moderating sessions.
  • Flexibility and hands-on attitude: able to juggle multiple responsibilities in a lean, fast-paced environment.

Core Competencies:

  • Program and event management: effectively plan, organize, coordinate, and execute programs, workshops, and events; delegate tasks when needed while creating engaging, impactful experiences.
  • Relationship building and entrepreneurial drive: foster trustful, collaborative relationships with startups, mentors, and partners, and inspire others with your entrepreneurial energy.

We offer

As a Program manager, you work in a fun, international team of 12 people that go the extra mile for impact-driven F&A startups. StartLife is located on Wageningen Campus – the heart of the AgriFoodTech startup community.

We offer a competitive salary depending on your knowledge and experience. The salary range for Program Manager: € 3.500,- / € 4.200,-. The duration of the employment contract is initially for one year with the intention to extend. We organize a lot of in-person events so your in-person presence is often required, expect to be at the office at least 3 days a week.

Interested?

If you’re interested, we’d love to have a conversation with you about the position. Send your cv and motivation to jobs@startlife.nl

More information about this position? Get in touch with Jean Boudillon, Head of Programs at jean.boudillon@startlife.nl.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, so apply soon!