Project Lead

About Good Food Oxfordshire

Good Food Oxfordshire (GFO) is a dynamic and impactful organisation dedicated to fostering a sustainable and healthy food system across Oxfordshire. We bring together a diverse network of individuals, community groups, and organisations to drive positive change in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. Our mission is to ensure that everyone in Oxfordshire has access to good food that benefits both people and the planet.

The Opportunity: Project Lead

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Lead to join our passionate team. This is a pivotal role in a fast-paced environment, crucial for driving forward our strategic goals and expanding our impact within the Oxfordshire food sustainability scene. You will be instrumental in overseeing key local projects, strengthening community and network connections, and ensuring the successful uptake and measurement of the Oxfordshire Food Strategy and Food Action Plans.

This is a 4-day per week role (0.8 FTE). We believe in flexibility and encourage interested candidates to discuss alternative working arrangements that suit their needs.

This is a hands-on role where you will be equally comfortable working on high-level strategy, diving into project specifics, and rolling up your sleeves to execute campaigns and initiatives.

What You ll Be Doing:

• Project Leadership & Oversight: Oversee and drive the successful delivery of various local projects, including key initiatives such as FEAST2030, WISH, and other emerging projects within the Oxfordshire food partnership.

• Community & Network Connection: Drive and nurture robust community and network connections for the Oxfordshire food partnership. This includes organising and attending events, and conducting visits to network members and community food groups to ensure GFO is well-connected and able to best support the needs of the food sustainability scene in Oxfordshire.

• Strategic Impact & Measurement: Serve as the key contact for Sustainable Food Places, overseeing the uptake and diligently measuring the impact of the Oxfordshire Food Strategy and Food Action Plans.

• Partnership & Collaboration: Cultivate strong relationships with research cohorts we are involved in, such as FEAST, ensuring collaborative success and mutual benefit.

• Campaign & Initiative Delivery: Drive forward impactful food-waste projects and campaigns, including the beloved Pumpkin Festival and the Great Big Green Lunch, from conception to successful execution.

• Strategic Development & Reporting: Work closely with the CEO to drive forward strategic change within GFO. Collaborate with the Comms and Fundraising Lead to ensure timely and accurate updates are provided on funded projects for reports and communications.

What You ll Bring:

• Proven track record in project leadership, ideally within the non-profit, community development, or food sustainability sectors.

• Experience in community engagement and network building.

• A strong understanding of sustainable food systems and the challenges and opportunities within this space.

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence a diverse range of stakeholders (particularly community food groups).

• Data-driven approach to measuring project impact and reporting.

• A proactive and adaptable mindset, thriving in a dynamic environment.

• Passion for creating a more sustainable and equitable food system in Oxfordshire.

If you don t meet the above requirements but are a natural leader with a collaborative mindset, and enjoy being organised and sharing updates, we would love to hear from you. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with a variety of lived experiences. All we ask is for you to be a team player, good listener and communicator, warm-natured, and community oriented.

Benefits of working at Good Food Oxfordshire

Our commitment to your well-being, growth, and a thriving work environment is reflected in these benefits

Flexible & Inclusive Work Policies:

• Flexible work hours (core hours between 9am and 3pm) and hybrid working with only requirement to be in-office on Wednesdays.

• Acas-aligned parental, menopausal, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies because we believe in supporting all our team members, including providing reasonable adjustments and accommodations to create an accessible and equitable workplace for individuals with disabilities.

Unique & Mission-Aligned Perks:

• Annual celebration, regular team socials, and Food Summits to celebrate project updates and achievements.

• Free tickets to the Oxford Real Farming Conference, Sustainable Food Places events, and other key industry gatherings.

Investing in Your Growth:

• Training and development budget to support your continuous learning.

• Quarterly reviews with CEO to discuss your personal growth and career path.

Competitive Compensation & Support:

• A competitive salary with annual salary reviews.

• GFO is an Oxfordshire Living Wage employer ensuring fair pay for all.

• Travel and tech budget to support your work needs, whether remote or in-person.

A Collaborative & Supportive Hub:

• Dedicated office and co-working space at Makespace, with access to Makespace events and networking opportunities.

• Cycle to work scheme and bike storage at Makespace.

• Makespace also provides a sensory kit for those with neurodivergent needs, a play kit for children, and access to Share Oxford s Library of Things.

Everyday Comforts & Community:

• 8% pension scheme (5% from GFO, 3% from employee) for your future security.

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays pro-rata.

• Weekly BYO team lunch plus free tea and coffee at Makespace.

Apply Now

Join us in making a tangible difference to the food landscape of Oxfordshire!