Director Innovation and Knowledge Exchange

LEAF is seeking a Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange to lead sustainable farming initiatives. This role involves shaping LEAF's innovation strategy, driving impact through data analysis, enhancing member engagement, and forging partnerships to advance regenerative farming. The position is pivotal in transforming the food and agriculture industry towards Net Zero, with a focus on evidence-based insights and strategic programs. The organization operates in a permanent hybrid model across the UK and internationally.
Are you ready to drive the future of sustainable farming? Do you have the vision and leadership to accelerate the adoption of innovative farming practices at scale?

Join LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) as our new Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange and play a key role in transforming the food and agriculture industry towards Net Zero.

Our organisation is growing rapidly, having doubled in size within two years to over forty employees working through a permanent hybrid model across the UK and internationally. We have an ambitious vision and compelling strategic goals to drive meaningful change in sustainable farming.

At LEAF, we are committed to working with the commercial food sector to promote the understanding and adoption of more sustainable farming practices, and we are looking for an exceptional leader to help shape the next phase of our journey. As our Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, you will be at the forefront of driving the transition to more sustainable, regenerative farming methods that will shape the future of food and agriculture.

Key responsibilities:

Shape the future of sustainable farming innovation – Define and drive the vision for LEAF’s Knowledge Exchange and Innovation strategy, ensuring the LEAF Network is a leading platform for showcasing and scaling sustainable farming practices across the UK and internationally.

Drive impact through evidence-based insights – Measure and communicate the effectiveness of LEAF’s sustainability initiatives, providing data-driven analysis that demonstrates the value of LEAF Marque and regenerative farm management.

Lead on the development and execution of an attractive membership offer – Optimise member insights and service delivery, enhance member engagement and communication, and harness the LEAF Network to develop an innovative and compelling membership offer, driving both membership retention and growth.

Forge high-impact partnerships – Strengthen collaborations with academic institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies to unlock research funding, advance applied innovation, and position LEAF at the forefront of agricultural transformation.

Elevate the Demonstration Farm Network – Expand and enhance the role of our Demonstration Farms as pioneering hubs for trialling and adopting cutting-edge sustainable farming technologies, practices, and methodologies aligned to LEAF Marque and the wider LEAF farming membership globally.

Champion industry thought leadership – Position LEAF as the leading authority on regenerative and integrated farm management, influencing policy, industry standards, and best practices to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture.

Lead strategic programmes to scale impact – Spearhead key initiatives that drive awareness, education, and adoption of sustainable farming practices, ensuring alignment with LEAF’s ambitious ONE LEAF Strategy.

What we’re looking for:
• Expert knowledge and vision: You bring a deep understanding of applied farm management or agricultural research, with a passion for driving change in the food and agriculture sectors.
• Leadership and collaboration: A dynamic leader with the ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and build strong, impactful partnerships across industries.
• Innovation and strategic thinking: You are a creative problem solver with the ability to think outside the box and translate complex challenges into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication skills: You can clearly articulate complex ideas, both written and verbally, and share them with diverse stakeholders.
• Project management & delivery: Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable impact.

What we offer:
• A strategic role in a mission-driven organisation: This is your opportunity to make a significant, long-term impact on the future of farming and the environment.
• Collaboration and innovation: Work with an exceptional team of professionals across the UK and internationally, driving positive change and sharing knowledge.
• Growth and development: We are growing rapidly, and as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will have ample opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Competitive package:

o Flexibility and opportunities for hybrid working

o Pension - 7% employer pension and 5% employee contribution (after 3 months probationary).

o Holiday - 22 days holiday per year plus 8 bank holidays.

o Long-service rewards - Following 3 years continuous service, gain an extra day of holiday each year, up to a maximum of 3 additional days.

o December break - we offer 3 discretionary days for a well-deserved December shutdown.

This is a wonderful opportunity to shape the future of agriculture, ensure LEAF remains a thought leader in sustainable farming, and make a tangible difference to the environment.

If you would like to discuss the salary range or have any specific questions about the role, feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation before applying.

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and lead innovation in sustainable farming practices, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV and covering letter to jobs@leaf.eco.