Waitrose Farming for Nature Programme Manager, LEAF

LEAF is seeking a Waitrose Farming for Nature Programme Manager to oversee a project aimed at helping 2,000 British farmers adopt regenerative farming practices by 2035. The role involves engaging with farmers, developing workshops, providing technical support, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a background in sustainable farming and project management. The position offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, requiring at least one day per week in the office.
Join LEAF as the Waitrose Farming for Nature Programme Manager!

At LEAF, we are at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, working to inspire and support farmers in adopting nature-friendly practices. The Waitrose Farming for Nature Programme is a pioneering initiative aimed at helping 2,000 British farmers transition to regenerative farming methods by 2035. You’ll play a crucial role in supporting farmers, developing knowledge exchange strategies, and driving real-world impact within the UK’s food supply chain.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a forward-thinking UK retailer and leading environmental farming charity to facilitate the adoption of regenerative farming practices across multiple supply chains.

Joining a passionate team of like-minded individuals, you will be managing a project that will make a tangible difference to farming and the environment in the UK. Along with the LEAF team, the retailer and supplying farmers you will also work with other leading organisations and academic institutions in the environmentally positive farming sector.

This role offers amazing breadth, working from an organisation level all the way to practical implementation and learnings on farm and will suit an individual with broad agricultural experience. In addition to the Farming for Nature programme you will also work on some of LEAF’s other projects giving unrivalled experience across the sector and the chance to make a real difference.

What you’ll be doing:
• Lead the programme – Oversee the delivery of LEAF’s contribution to the Waitrose Farming for Nature Programme.
• Engage with farmers – Build strong relationships with satellite farmers, early adopters, and stakeholders to ensure successful programme implementation.
• Develop and facilitate workshops – Create and manage engaging workshops, selecting expert speakers and impactful locations.
• Provide technical support – Assist farmers in planning, executing, and monitoring regenerative agriculture interventions.
• Track progress and impact – Monitor outcomes, report on impact, and ensure continuous programme development.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing – Work closely with Waitrose, industry experts, and LEAF’s technical and communications teams to develop valuable resources.

What we’re looking for:

· A strong background in sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, or environmental land management.

· Experience in stakeholder engagement and farmer support, with the ability to build meaningful relationships.

· Project management expertise, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Excellent communication and networking skills to drive collaboration across the supply chain.

· A strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset, able to translate vision into action.

What we offer:

· Contract: 2-year fixed-term contract. Full-time hours (i.e. 4 days per week focused on the Waitrose programme, 1 day focused on wider LEAF activity).

· Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, 7% employer pension contribution, and 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and additional 3 discretionary days for December shutdown.

· Flexible hybrid working: Minimum 1 day per week at our office, with additional travel to farms and events within the UK.

· Professional growth opportunities: Be part of a leading organisation in sustainable farming and make a real difference in the sector.

Be part of the Future of Farming. If you’re ready to drive change in the agricultural sector and contribute to a more sustainable food future, we’d love to hear from you!

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 before 28 April. For the full job description please follow the Link

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/04/2025