Role Overview

Join us as we seek an inspiring and mission-oriented Executive Director to steer ProVeg UK into an exciting new chapter of growth and influence. This pivotal role merges strategic vision with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising initiatives, and vital organizational development. We are looking for a candidate infused with entrepreneurial spirit, exemplary communication talents, significant experience in the UK NGO arena, and a profound desire for food systems innovation.

ProVeg UK boasts an impressive legacy in transforming public food through our acclaimed School Plates program, having transitioned over 47 million meals from meat-based to plant-based or vegetarian options. Our impact spans more than 8,000 schools across the UK, positively affecting over 1.3 million children daily. We are eager to broaden our reach to a variety of stakeholders, including hospitals (with a new manager recently onboarded for a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, corporations, and media partners.

As the Executive Director, you will play a central role in this expansion, ensuring our current programs continue to thrive. This position offers a remarkable opportunity to be a driving force for transformative change within the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein sectors, contributing to a sustainable future.

Position Details

Reports to: Deputy CEO
Location: Greater London Area (within a 1.5-hour train journey)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week)
Salary: £55-60k (with an additional London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: Ideally ASAP

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Formulate and implement ProVeg UK’s long-term strategic vision aligned with ProVeg International’s mission.
• Lead the development and scaling of impactful UK-based programs that address local needs and opportunities.
• Enhance ProVeg’s visibility and influence by effectively representing the organization.
• Serve on the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

• Build and nurture relationships with key partners, including food companies, government entities, foundations, and major donors.
• Identify and leverage funding opportunities, focusing on government grants and philanthropic collaborations, particularly in climate and health sectors.
• Act as a public ambassador and thought leader in the UK, advocating for food systems transformation in alignment with ProVeg International’s mission.
• Oversee governance and engagement with the UK board.

Team & Organizational Development

• Lead and inspire our exceptional UK team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and impact-driven evaluation.
• Provide consistent coaching and feedback, establishing clear objectives and supporting performance development while recognizing achievements.
• Encourage innovation, continuous improvement, and a growth mindset within the team, identifying new opportunities for our UK operations.
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and counterparts in other ProVeg nations on shared initiatives and objectives.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Create and manage the annual UK budget to ensure financial stability and strategic allocation of resources.
• Guarantee compliance with UK regulations, reporting standards, and ProVeg International policies.
• Deliver timely and transparent reports to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board.

Qualifications

Essential

• Demonstrated leadership experience (5+ years at deputy or executive level) in a mission-driven organization within the UK NGO sector, preferably in food, climate, or health.
• Proven success in fundraising and building partnerships, particularly with foundations, government bodies, or climate philanthropists.
• An entrepreneurial mindset coupled with a strong capability to develop and implement effective strategies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with experience engaging with media, government officials, public audiences, and diverse stakeholders.
• A comprehensive understanding of the UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs.
• Proven ability to lead diverse and remote teams, with an empowering and collaborative leadership style.
• Alignment with ProVeg’s mission and passion for plant-based initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and international teams.
• Strong commitment to a plant-based lifestyle.
• Knowledgeable about good governance practices.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and energy to excel in the Director role.

Desirable

• Established network among funders, policymakers, or influencers related to food systems or climate issues in the UK.
• Postgraduate qualification in a pertinent field (e.g., public policy, environmental studies, food systems, or business).
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based program development.
• Understanding of plant-based innovations, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• Generous leave policy – 25 days of annual leave, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar year, up to 30 days (plus bank holidays).
• A strong emphasis on personal development, supported by a dedicated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements, including home office options.
• Career advancement support.
• Enhanced parental leave policies (maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption).
• Compassionate leave for animal companions.
• Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling services.
• Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service.
• Mindfulness support with a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 family members or friends.
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts.
• Membership to the OpenUp platform.
• We are proud to be an inclusive workplace that welcomes all employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering a diverse environment for our global team.
• Finally, be part of an incredible team working towards a future where everyone enjoys delicious and nutritious food that benefits all humans, animals, and our planet!

Application Timeline

Application deadline: June 15
First interview (People & Culture): June 23 – June 26
Trial task: July 3 – July 6
Second interview (team): July 14 – July 22
Final interview (executive): July 24 – July 26

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and CV, outlining your motivation for the role and how you meet the qualifications. Applications should be sent via our online form. Thank you!

Important: Your cover letter should reflect your unique voice. The goal is for us to understand you better and assess the fit for this role and your aspirations. Applications containing AI-generated content or submitted in any language other than English will not be considered.