Director of Healthy & Sustainable Diets

About our Organisation

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of
human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues
in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we
support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn’t do any of this without
our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world
where it’s needed the most.

About the Opportunity

You’ll lead our portfolio of ‘on-the-ground’ work across healthy and sustainable diets, with
responsibility for concept generation, innovation, piloting, commercial development (including
income generation) and operational delivery, with impact a clear focus throughout. You’ll lead
a senior leadership team to ensure our programmes, schemes and services achieve our 1-year and
3-year plans. You’ll be responsible for identifying opportunities and threats for the portfolio
as a whole, for forging strong external relationships and partnerships, that can help to scale
our impact and income. Reporting to the Programmes Director, you will be a member of the
Charity Leadership Team, whilst leading, via your direct reports, a wider team of c. 50 people.

About You

You are a natural leader with an empowering, coaching style, that can bring out the best in the
senior managers that you lead, helping them realise their potential whilst maintaining a clear
focus on impact outcomes. You are a proven commercial and operational leader, with extensive
experience of programme or product development and delivery, as well as knowledge of/interest
in relevant issues including childhood health and diet, school food, and public sector
procurement. You are able to collaborate effectively and influence a wide range of
stakeholders, developing relationships with partners and allied organisations who can help us
achieve our aims. You’re able to strategically prioritise and provide clarity, consistency and
confidence for your wider team.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The Soil Association and FFL are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all
children, young people, and vulnerable adults that we work with. In accordance
with this commitment we ensure that we follow a thorough and safe recruitment and selection
process for all roles that work with children. This includes checking against the Disclosure
and Barring Service (DBS) where appropriate. Please note that if you are successful in your
application to the role any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro
  rata for part time)
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with
  length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy,
  sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

30 – 37 hours per week

Permanent 

Location

Bristol or Edinburgh with hybrid working