UK based
Our Plastics Initiative is a global reference point and recognised voice in the global debate around plastics. We work with 1000+ major businesses, governments, NGOs, scientists and other stakeholders around the world to address the root cause of plastic pollution by catalysing the transition to a 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. for plastics.
We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to lead the Global Commitment (GC) programme and be part of the Initiative’s Core Management Team.
The Global Commitment is one of the major programmes within the Plastics Initiative. It is a joint effort between the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the UN Environment Programme, which unites businesses, governments, and other organisations behind a common vision and 2025 targets to address plastic waste and pollution at its source, starting with packaging. It is the world’s leading voluntary commitment programme on plastics, its ambition level has set a new norm in the industry, and it is a reference point for investors and policymakers working on this topic.
The GC team is responsible for managing the annual GC reporting by more than 200 businesses and governments on the progress they have made on their 2025 targets. This involves drawing insights and conclusions from robust data analysis, developing a credible progress narrative and publishing the annual Global Commitment Progress Report.
Role & Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Initiative’s Lead, your role will be as follows:
With a high degree of independence, leading a team to run the Global Commitment reporting process, produce and publish the annual progress report, case studies, and other assets and tools; and occasionally supporting the development and facilitation of workshops and other events.
Lead the GC team in delivering other project-based work.
As part of the Initiative’s Core Management Team, co-owning and co-shaping the initiative’s overall strategy - both content and people strategy.
Representing the Foundation and its Plastics Initiative at international meetings and events.
With support of the NPEC Lead and the broader team, lead the development of industry leading perspectives and research for the initiative.
You will work closely with the other Programme Managers and members of the Plastics Initiative’s team, with extensive collaboration across the organisation. Contributing to the continuous development of the Foundation’s expertise, with a focus on plastics and plastic packaging.
You will be responsible for the direct management of GC team members, taking responsibility to coach and support them in their personal and professional development, and you will have accountability for indirect reports in your team.
Your profile
Experience of managing teams and managing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. This is a senior role in the team and we would need to see a strong track record established over a number of years.
The intellectual capacity to understand the principles of the circular economy and to apply them to the global plastic packaging system; some experience in the plastics (packaging) sector would be a distinct advantage.
The analytical skills to problem solve complex problems and extract key insights from data, analysis and discussions with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Strong communication skills: evidence of having written engaging documents; the ability to interact effectively at all levels of an organisation and to contribute proactively to problem solving in meetings and workshops.
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: 20th 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. This is a fixed term contract with an initial length of 3 years.
Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight or remote UK base but with frequent trips to our office.
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.