At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and operations for sustainable protein production indices.
- Company: Join the FAIRR Initiative, a leader in sustainable investment.
- Benefits: Make a real impact on global food systems while growing your career.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable food with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 9+ years in sustainability or ESG research and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The FAIRR Initiative, an initiative of the Jeremy Coller Foundation, is an innovative peer network for investors harnessing the power of capital markets to transform global protein production away from an over-reliance on intensive animal agriculture. FAIRR works with over 400 investors, representing $80 trillion in combined assets under management, to use their power and influence to help global livestock, fish and dairy companies build a more sustainable food system.
About The Role
This role leads the delivery of FAIRR’s flagship Protein Producer and Seafood Indices, combining team leadership, research operations, and product ownership. You will manage a multidisciplinary team while building scalable processes and ensuring high-quality, decision-grade outputs for global investors. We are seeking an experienced Research and Operations Manager to join the Research & Data Team (R&D). The R&D team consists of researchers, engineers, modellers and data scientists developing benchmarks, risk models and thought leadership to help market participants understand the risks and opportunities in our global protein systems. We operate with a forward-looking approach, grounded in materiality – not morality – and always incorporating analytical rigor, transparency and insight into our work.
You will lead the production of our flagship Protein Producer (PPI) and Seafood (SI) Indices. These benchmarks assess the maturity of public and private companies in understanding material risks linked to environmental and social topics such as deforestation, water scarcity, food safety, modern slavery and more. You’ll be responsible for the research planning for an expanding universe of companies, overseeing its annual execution, building out quality management systems and proactively managing the performance and development of our analyst team. You will play a central role in shaping team processes, culture and standards and report into the Director of Products & Analytics.
Key Responsibilities
- Research Lifecycle Management: FAIRR researches an expanding universe of public and private companies undertaking both qualitative and quantitative research. You will set the timetable for delivering the PPI and SI benchmarks, establish individual workload allocation, engage with external research vendors, establish required quality control steps, and ensure delivery on time and within budget. You will set milestones, provide continuous motivation and assist the team in managing blockers and challenges.
- Team Leadership: You’ll lead by example, bringing empathy and structure to daily life of the team. You will set SMART objectives, provide regular feedback, coaching and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. You will build onboarding trainings for the R&D team.
- Quality Assurance and Process Improvement: Ensure transparency, consistency, independence and quality of our research. Collaborate with internal experts to ensure outputs are clear, forward-looking and informative. Develop and improve processes, policies and systems that underpin our research. Conduct regular macro-analyses of volatility, no-info rates, range and distribution.
- Thought Leadership and Market Engagement: Work with internal experts and the marketing and communications team to ensure research is timely, relevant and forward looking. Support the development of reports, blogs, social media posts and infographics. Represent FAIRR in public, engaging with investor members and the wider market.
Essential Criteria
- Sustainability and Finance Experience: 9+ years in Sustainability or ESG research. Experience in a sustainability ratings agency, standard setter or ESG team of a financial institution. Familiarity with EU taxonomy, SFDR, etc. Understanding of double materiality.
- Team Leadership: Experience leading high-performing research teams, motivating and mentoring, conflict resolution, raising output.
- Project Management: Proven ability to deliver complex research projects on time and within budget. Agile or Lean Six Sigma experience a plus.
- Analytical & Communication Skills: Detail-oriented, ability to convert complex ESG data into clear insights, oral/written communication for diverse audiences.
- Mindset: Entrepreneurial, adaptable to fast-paced environments.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across multiple teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, PPT.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience scaling up research coverage within organisations.
- Expertise in designing and implementing research software solutions.
- Familiarity with developing new sustainability research methodologies.
About Us
The FAIRR (Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return) Initiative was established in 2015 by the Jeremy Coller Foundation. The FAIRR Initiative is the fastest-growing ESG investor network with more than 400 investor members representing over $90 trillion in combined assets to leverage capital markets and drive positive change across the global food sector. FAIRR focuses on raising awareness of key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities impacting the protein value chain.
WHY JOIN US? Working for FAIRR provides the opportunity to be part of something big! As a purpose-led organisation, we offer a role that allows you to make an impact on people and the planet through our work on sustainable food systems. Our team is building for the future—a fast-paced organisation offering autonomy, decision-making, and learning opportunities. FAIRR’s teams include Thematic Research & Engagements, Data & Research, Policy, Investor Outreach, Communications & Marketing, and People & Culture. The teams have grown rapidly but remain small enough to innovate through agility and collaboration. Trust, teamwork and strong relationships are key to our culture. FAIRR’s culture is one of autonomy and responsibility, enabling skill development and career growth. We support stretch opportunities through collaborative engagements with investors and corporate partners producing innovative tools, data and research. Opportunities include high-profile topics to grow your expertise. We are located in a modern office near Marble Arch.
Senior Research & Operations Manager employer: FAIRR Initiative
FAIRR Initiative is an exceptional employer that empowers its team to drive meaningful change in global food systems through sustainable practices. With a strong focus on autonomy, collaboration, and professional growth, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that values innovation and teamwork. Located near Marble Arch, the organisation offers a modern office environment and opportunities to engage with high-profile topics, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sustainability and impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research & Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission around sustainability and ESG, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Senior Research & Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the FAIRR Initiative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research & Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in sustainability and finance. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Senior Research & Operations Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves team leadership, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and mentor others. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past and the impact you made. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for sustainable food systems.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at FAIRR!
How to prepare for a job interview at FAIRR Initiative
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in sustainability and ESG research, especially as it relates to the protein production sector. Brush up on key topics like double materiality and the EU taxonomy, as these will likely come up during your chat.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led high-performing teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts, as this role requires strong team leadership and a collaborative mindset.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing complex research projects. Highlight any methodologies you’ve used, like Agile or Lean Six Sigma, and how they helped you deliver results on time and within budget.
✨Engage with Thought Leadership
Familiarise yourself with FAIRR’s work and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their thought leadership initiatives. Bring ideas on how to communicate complex ESG data clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
