Food Sourcing Project Manager

Food Sourcing Project Manager

Knowsley Foodbank

Knowsley Foodbank (KFB) is at the heart of surplus food redistribution in Merseyside. With two warehouses, five vans, regular volunteers and a small, dedicated staff team in Kirkby. We have been feeding people in need, saving surplus food and sharing it with local charities and community groups for nearly 13 years. The success of the charity, and our continued growth, has led to Knowsley Foodbank seeking to appoint the new and exciting role of Food Sourcing Project Manager.

This role will report to the Head of Food Operations and focus on developing and establishing strong relationships with suppliers including farms, retailers and distributors, in order to maximise the impact, the charity has on the people and organisations it serves by redistributing essential, and surplus food to those that need it most. The role will support the ambitious growth plans across Merseyside and the wider Northwest region.

We are looking for someone to work with us who has a good understanding of food supply chains, distribution, and food waste reduction. We particularly welcome candidates who have experience working in the food sector, ‘farm to fork’. Working with the Head of Food Operations and the wider Senior Management Team, this person will create and deliver on a strategic plan for Food Sourcing, developing new relationships with food producers with a view to saving greater volumes of surplus food, and supporting those people facing food crisis.

If you are highly motivated and seeking a real challenge, this opportunity is for you. It requires a driven and confident individual with excellent facilitation and collaborative skills along with a passion for getting the job done. Above all else we are seeking someone who shares the visions of Knowsley Foodbank and its desire to empower people on their journey out of the cycle of poverty.

Remuneration & Benefits

Salary Band – 5        £27,231.75 - £32,009.25 per annum

• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank holidays Smart, casual dress

• Company events Company pension Flexible schedule On-site parking Sick pay Wellness program

ROLE PURPOSE

The Food Sourcing Project Manager will:

• Develop and drive our food strategy with the emphasis on increasing the volume of surplus food for Knowsley Foodbank to distribute.
• Proactively seek out new opportunities to increase the visibility of the charity through building and strengthening our partnerships with new and existing suppliers and our charity partners.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to maximise the impact of the charity and support the implementation of a Food Sourcing Strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver on a Food Sourcing strategy that encompasses the mission of Knowsley Foodbank and increases our impact on the people we support.
• Assess existing supplier relationships and identify ways to engage and strengthen these for successful future partnerships.
• Proactively seek and establish new relationships with farmers and local businesses to increase the volume of surplus food.
• Develop initiatives to promote Knowsley Foodbank and raise awareness of the mission of the charity within the food distribution networks and local businesses.
• Work with the Head of Food Operations to identify the most impactful ways to increase access to surplus food.
• Establish mechanisms for monitoring the impact of this project and future food sourcing work.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Experience, Qualifications and Qualities Essential Significant knowledge of existing food surplus distribution routes and food waste management
• Good understanding of food supply chains and knowledge of key players in the food sector in and around Merseyside & Northwest from farm to fork.
• Knowledge of and interest in Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility and experience of its application within the business environment
• Ability to think strategically as well as strong project management skills.
• Demonstrable ability as a strong communicator, negotiator and influencer
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at a range of levels and across multiple functions with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Resourceful and able to work on own initiative, as well as with a wider team.
• Responsive and expedient with the ability to manage multiple, diverse and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ideally educated to degree level, or with equivalent competence gained through relevant experience.
• Be able to travel frequently within and beyond Merseyside - Desirable
• Experience working in a sales or account management role within the food sector.
• Existing contacts within food production, distribution and retail businesses in the region.
• Understanding of confidentiality laws and GDPR.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Knowsley Foodbank.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google software.
• Hold full UK driving licence and have access to own vehicle.

This role would be based at our Foodbank warehouse in Kirkby and also at our Head Office in Liverpool.

Please send a CV and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience could make an impact in our Food Sourcing Project Manager role to Antonia.Bell@knowsleyfoodbank.org

At Knowsley Foodbank, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to making a positive difference in the communities that we operate within.

We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business. If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you.

Knowsley Foodbank is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment.