Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £1bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients on the planet to buy food, and everything associated with it. We work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services saving them both time and money and enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
We are now looking to hire a Sustainability Lead to join the Foodbuy UK & I team leading on the Animal welfare and Regenerative agriculture strategy. The sustainability team at Foodbuy has made great strides in shaping the future of our industry and the supply chain when it comes to progressing animal welfare and transitioning our supply chain to greater regenerative practices, however we recognise with the right expertise and positive attitude there is a greater difference we can make.
The sustainability lead for AWRA, has a unique opportunity to use their prior skills and/or qualifications in sustainable agriculture to become the voice of our planet and make a profound difference in the worlds largest contract caterer.
Responsibilities:
1. Strategy Development:
- Collaborate with Head of Sustainability and broader Compass stakeholders to develop and integrate regenerative agriculture principles and prioritise animal welfare as part of the procurement process
- Conduct research and analysis to identify key opportunities and challenges in advancing animal welfare and regen ag strategy, keeping in mind broader sustainability goals within the organisation.
2. Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives:
- Design and implement regenerative agriculture programs aimed at improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, conserving water resources, and sequestering carbon. Working alongside SAX, farmer groups and other industry affiliates to ensure we are always abreast of best practice and changes
- Provide guidance and support to procurement team as well as key supplier partners and operators on the adoption of regenerative practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, rotational grazing, and agroforestry.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of regenerative agriculture initiatives through the collection and analysis of performance metrics.
- Attend industry events and webinars, to learn about market developments, share findings at team meetings and represent Foodbuy
- Ensure compliance with the no deforestation commitment we have made, keeping in check with the EU deforestation regulation
3. Animal Welfare Programs:
- Build on current animal welfare strategy into implementation working alongside procurement team and business stakeholders.
- Develop and implement comprehensive animal welfare policies and protocols that ensure the humane treatment and care of livestock throughout their lifecycle.
- Prepare data for public reporting and disclosures
- Work with technical team to conduct regular audits and assessments of animal welfare practices on farms and facilities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Provide training and education to procurement team on how to ensure effective checks when selecting suppliers, promoting a culture of compassion and responsibility across all suppliers.
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
- Foster collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, including sector sustainability leads, sector directors, category management and senior exec sponsors
- Engage with external stakeholders such as suppliers, industry organizations, government agencies, and community groups to promote transparency, accountability, and shared learning.
- Represent Foodbuy in industry forums, conferences, and working groups focused on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and animal welfare.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Analysing, and reporting on sustainability data related to regenerative agriculture practices and animal welfare indicators.
- Utilize data-driven insights to inform decision-making, identify trends, and track the impact of sustainability initiatives over time.
6. Compliance and Certification:
- Stay informed about relevant regulations, standards, and certifications pertaining to sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and food safety, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry best practices.
- Coordinate the certification process for sustainability programs and labels such as Leaf marque certified, Organic, pasture for life Global Animal Partnership (GAP), and RSPCA Assured, working closely with certification bodies and auditors.
7. Research and Innovation:
- Stay abreast of the latest research, technologies, and innovations in the fields of regenerative agriculture, animal welfare, and sustainability, and evaluate their applicability to organisational objectives.
- Identify opportunities for pilot projects, research partnerships, and technology adoption to enhance sustainability practices, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.
8. Education and Training:
- Develop training materials, workshops, and resources to educate employees, contractors, and partners on sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture principles, and animal welfare standards.
- Facilitate training sessions and workshops on topics such as soil health management, pasture management and general advancements in regen ag and animal welfare for commercial team
- There will be line management for 1 direct report
Key skills, knowledge and experience required:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a sustainability role with exposure to animal welfare and/or regenerative agriculture
- Affinity in the agricultural sector, with a degree in agriculture, natural sciences, soil sciences, or other degrees related to environmental science, sustainability, or the food industry
- Experience of setting a strategy and a visionary thinker wiling to seek out innovation and determined to make change
- Proficient with data analysis and commercially astute
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families