UK based
Fixed term contract for 3 years
We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to directly support our Food Lead to deliver multiple programmes within the Food Initiative, specifically contributing to the strategic development of The Big Food Challenge and our work on Circular Design for Food, working closely with our Food and Design teams.
Background
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a global reference point for the circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. and in recent years our Food team has worked with leading actors from across the sector to build knowledge and understanding of a circular economy for food in cities. Following the launch of our latest report, the Big Food Redesign, we have pivoted our focus to engaging the fast moving consumer goods companies and retailers in redesigning our food system. This report sets out how combining circular design with food offers a significant opportunity to tackle the root causes of global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Food Initiative works with an exciting range of stakeholders from global brands and food retailers to innovative producers as well as a variety of organisations linked directly to land and farming, inspiring and enabling those in our network to lead the change is a crucial aspect of the food programme. To date this engagement has taken the form of creating tools and opportunities for the sector to drive forward a circular economy for food with a focus on food flows in cities. Going forward, we are aiming to engage the sector in building circular design for food into their strategies. To achieve this, we will be launching a global food challenge in early 2023 as well as leading on a demonstration project and building capacity and understanding within our network.
Role & Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Food Lead, your role will be as follows:
With a high degree of independence, leading teams to deliver the Challenge and demonstration projects as well as leading on the overall Food programme management across all strands of work.
Drawing insights from these projects to inform our overall food strategy.
Taking ownership of the engagement strategy of stakeholders from across the food value chain, as well as key organisations and partners working with farmers and regenerative solutions for food production .
Actively collaborating with the Big Food Challenge Project Manager and Design Strategist to identify synergies to leverage existing projects and eliminate duplication of work.
Actively contributing to the overall Food team’s strategy, and the continuous development of the Foundation’s expertise, with a focus on the global food system.
With support of the Food Lead and the broader team, leading the development of industry leading perspectives and research for the initiative.
Representing the Foundation and the Food team at international meetings, external workshops and events. Some travel both domestically and internationally will be involved.
Line managing team members, taking responsibility to coach and support them in their personal and professional development.
Your profile
This is a senior role in the team, requiring a minimum of 7 years of previous work experience and a strong track record in managing teams and building and managing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, preferably in the Food sector.
Evidence of strong relationship management experience and excellent communication skills: the ability to interact effectively with individuals at various management levels across a variety of organisations and geographies.
Ability to maintain a detailed working knowledge of circular economy principles and apply them to the global food system; experience with FMCG, brands and retail would be a distinct advantage.
The analytical skills to extract key insights from data, analysis and discussions with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Excellent written and spoken English; other languages would be a definite advantage.
A good academic record and degree level qualifications in business, economics, science, political science, or other relevant discipline.
An entrepreneurial mindset and comfortable with a high level of ambiguity.
Please apply with CV and covering letter
Desired starting date: ASAP
Closing date: 18th July 2022
Salary package: Circa £50k dependent on experience level plus generous holiday allowance (25 days plus discretionary extra days leave) generous parental leave; enhanced pension options/private health scheme after 6 months; wellbeing programme.
Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight.
What we do
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reusereuseThe repeated use of a product or component for its intended purpose without significant modification., replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energyrenewable energyEnergy derived from resources that are not depleted on timescales relevant to the economy, i.e. not geological timescales. and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.
Our commitment to you
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and providing a working environment free from discrimination. Job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.