(Senior) Strategic Program Manager for ProVeg China

Role Summary
ProVeg International is a leading global NGO working to transform the global food system by accelerating the shift to plant-based and alternative proteins. As one of the first INGOs approved to open a representative office in mainland China in this field, ProVeg China is uniquely positioned to catalyze positive change within the country’s fast-evolving food ecosystem.

We are seeking a (Senior) Strategic Program Manager to lead and implement high-impact programs that promote the development and commercialization of alternative proteins in China. This role will be at the forefront of shaping the future of food by building and scaling cross-sector collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, research bodies, and food industry leaders.

Working closely with the Executive Director and our international teams, you will design and execute strategic initiatives that support China’s food innovation landscape, while strengthening ProVeg’s presence and influence across key stakeholders. Job Details
Reports to: Executive Director, ProVeg China 
Location: Hybrid, Shanghai 
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary: CNY250,000 – CNY360,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience Responsibilities

• Design and deliver strategic programs that accelerate innovation and commercialization of alternative proteins in China, including plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated solutions.
  
  
• Develop and maintain trusted partnerships with stakeholders from government agencies, food and nutrition research institutes, top universities, industry associations, and leading food and biotech companies.
  
  
• Identify and cultivate synergies among diverse partners to advance shared goals, foster coalition-building, and position ProVeg as a key convening force in the alt-protein ecosystem.
  
  
• Act as a thought partner and senior advisor on emerging opportunities, white spaces, and high-impact interventions in food systems transformation.
  
  
• Organize, lead, or represent ProVeg China at high-level conferences, industry summits, policy roundtables, and networking events.
  
  
• Collaborate with global ProVeg departments (Communications, Policy, MEL) to support program visibility, track impact, and amplify success stories.

Qualifications

• Academic background in food science, nutrition, biology, biotechnology, or a related field; a Master’s or PhD is a strong plus.
  
  
• 5+ years of professional experience in roles related to alternative proteins, sustainable food innovation, biotechnology or food industry R&D in China.
  
  
• Proven track record of working across sectors, especially with government agencies, academia, research institutions, and corporate partners.
  
  
• Prior experience in industrial associations, NGOs, or public-sector programs is highly preferred.
  
  
• Strong existing network across relevant stakeholders in China’s alt-protein and food innovation space.
  
  
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire and mobilize action across diverse groups.
  
  
• Native-level Mandarin Chinese and fluent English communication (verbal and written).
  
  
• Strong strategic thinking and program management skills, including ability to manage budgets, KPIs, and adaptively solve problems.
  
  
• Experience in movement-building, public engagement, or coalition development is a plus.
  
  
• Self-starter, adaptable, and passionate about food systems change.

Benefits of working with us

• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements (hybrid)
  
  
• Annual compensation of CNY250,000 – CNY360,000 depending on qualifications and experience
  
  
• A meaningful, mission-aligned role at the forefront of global food system transformation
  
  
• A supportive and inclusive work culture
  
  
• An annual personal development budget and access to learning resources
  
  
• Participation in a mindfulness and wellbeing program
  
  
• Opportunities to represent a pioneering organization in influential forums and networks

When?
Application deadline: open until filled
Start date: ASAP Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please submit your application using our online form (https://proveg.com/jobs/) and tell us how you found this job ad. Thank you!

Should you make it to the long-list of applicants, the next steps in our process are:

1. A first interview with People & Culture (English)

2. An online task that you will present during the next interview (English)

3. A second interview with the leadership team (English)

4. A final interview with our China Executive Director (Chinese)