Country Manager - Korea

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Country Manager to lead our client's operations and initiatives in Korea. This organisation is a global nonprofit organisation working at the intersection of science, business, and policy to advance food innovation and create a more sustainable, secure, and just food system.

The Country Manager will lead thier operations and strategy in the Korean market, working closely with regional leadership to deliver impact across programmes, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can represent the organisation externally, build strong stakeholder relationships, and oversee internal processes that ensure operational excellence and team success

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, execution, and day-to-day operations in Korea.
• Build partnerships with government, academia, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor market and policy trends to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Represent the organisation as a trusted authority in food innovation and sustainability.
• Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing local team.
• Oversee budgets, resources, and compliance with Korean regulations and regional standards.
• Ensure effective internal communications, processes, and team culture.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and external communications.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience, ideally in nonprofit management, startups, or scale-ups, including 3+ years in team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of Korea’s food innovation ecosystem.
• International work experience and comfort operating in a global, multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to work independently in fast-paced, ambiguous settings with strategic thinking and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, including partnerships with government, academia, or industry leaders in Korea.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with cultural fluency.
• Strong organisational, project management, and execution skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Asana, and similar productivity platforms.
• Bilingual fluency in Korean and English (written and verbal).