Manager, Markets Transformation, UK & Ireland

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behaviour. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. For more information, please visit http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/about.

Position Summary:

The Manager will be responsible for developing the market in the UK and Ireland for Rainforest Alliance services and solutions. In particular the Manager will focus building company commitments to sourcing commodities/ ingredients derived from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Working closely with the Senior Manager, s/he will be responsible for the implementation of specific aspects of the UK and Ireland strategy for Markets Transformation, with a focus on priority sectors such as retail, ‘out of home’ and food and beverage FMCGs within this important market. The Manager will also be expected to contribute to the development and implementation of commodity strategies, e.g. cocoa, tropical fruit. The Manager will also be responsible for the effective account management of a wide range of companies, working closely with colleagues from internal teams such as Claims Trademarks and Traceability team, Communications and Marketing, and senior leadership. S/he will also foster external relationships with a range of stakeholders, e.g. other NGO’s, consultants, government bodies, to achieve institutional strategic goals and priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Senior Manager, Markets Transformation, to develop and implement specific aspects of a market demand strategy for Rainforest Alliance in the UK and Ireland;
• Account management of a wide range of companies in order to stimulate market demand for all Rainforest Alliance solutions, across all the  commodities certified by the Rainforest Alliance as well as certified forest, and tourism products within the UK and Ireland;
• Manage relationships and contribute to company strategy development within specific businesses in the UK and Ireland; coordinate market demand with requisite supply building activities;
• Conduct training and workshops for key sales and marketing teams (with the support of the Rainforest Alliance’s Communication & Marketing team) and be the interface with other Rainforest Alliance teams to fulfil different needs within a variety of business relationship;
• Work with the Claims, Trademarks & Traceability team in the implementation of traceability systems, participation agreement royalty collection and the use of Rainforest Alliance trademarks and claims;
• Support the launch of campaigns by companies in coordination with the global Market Transformation and Communications teams;
• Support the preparation of market-related fundraising proposals and the negotiation and development of service agreements with companies supporting the work of Rainforest Alliance;
• Serve as a spokesperson for Rainforest Alliance by engaging key opinion leaders and cultivating change agents within the industry;
• Foster internal relationships with other Rainforest Alliance units to ensure continued, effective cross-unit collaboration to ensure the achievement of institutional strategic goals and priorities; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree; preferably in Supply Chain Management, Sustainability or Marketing;
• 7-10 years of experience, demonstrating independent decision making in certain aspects of the organizations functions and  high levels of responsibility in business development, sales, marketing, procurement or supply chain management in a food and forest related industries;
• Knowledge and experience of working to further conservation/ sustainability objectives that are aligned to local and or international needs;
• Knowledge of FMCG, out of home, food and beverage markets, the UK retail environment as well as  global food supply chains;
• A passion for sustainability and the environment; understanding and experience of ethical sourcing and certification programs highly desired;
• Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Internet;
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages highly desirable;
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Impeccable interpersonal skills and an excellent team player;
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time and to work with minimum levels of supervision; 
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; and
• Willingness to travel up to 25 % of the time.

Only candidates authorized to work in the United Kingdom will be considered

To apply:

Send CV, cover letter and salary history to Human Resources, Rainforest Alliance, Warnford Court, 29 Throgmorton Street, London, EC2N 2AT. E-mail: ukpersonnel@ra.org. If emailing, use the following format in the subject line: first name and last name, job title of position you are applying for.

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer