At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ProVeg UK in strategic growth and impactful food systems transformation.
- Company: ProVeg UK influences public food choices, reaching over 1.3 million children daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, personal development support, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for positive change in the plant-based movement and sustainable future.
- Qualifications: 5+ years leadership experience in NGOs, strong fundraising skills, and a passion for food systems.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making healthy food choices accessible for all.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.
ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals, policymakers, the corporate sector and media.
The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Job Details
- Reports to: Deputy CEO
- Country: UK
- Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
- Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
- Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
- Start date: ideally ASAP
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
- Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
- Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
- Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
- Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
- Manage governance and engagement with the UK board
- Team & Organisational Development
- Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
- Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
- Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
- Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
- Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board
Qualifications
- Essential
- Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level) in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
- Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs
- Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
- Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
- Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
- Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
- Knowledge of good governance practice
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
- Desirable
- Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
- Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
- Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins
Benefits of working with us
- Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
- A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
- Provision of a work laptop.
- Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
- Career development support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
- Compassionate animal companion leave
- Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
- Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
- Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
- Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
- Membership to the OpenUp platform
We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world. And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
When?
- Application deadline: 15.06
- First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
- Trial task: 03.07-06.07
- Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
- Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
Further information
Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!
Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.
Executive Director, ProVeg UK Greater London Area (Remote) ProVeg UK (Basé à London) employer: Golden Bees
Contact Detail:
Golden Bees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, ProVeg UK Greater London Area (Remote) ProVeg UK (Basé à London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the UK NGO sector, especially with organisations focused on food systems and sustainability. Attend relevant events, webinars, and conferences to meet potential collaborators and stakeholders who can support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with ProVeg UK's current programmes and initiatives, particularly the School Plates programme. Understanding their impact and future goals will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your fundraising expertise by researching recent funding trends in the UK related to climate and health. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you would employ to secure funding for ProVeg UK's initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by preparing examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it aligns with ProVeg's values of inclusion and empowerment.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, ProVeg UK Greater London Area (Remote) ProVeg UK (Basé à London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for ProVeg's mission and how your experience aligns with the role. Be sure to highlight your leadership experience in the NGO sector and your success in fundraising.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Director position. Emphasise relevant experience, particularly in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and team development. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires exceptional communication skills, consider including examples of public speaking engagements or media interactions in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to represent ProVeg effectively.
Be Authentic: Ensure that your application reflects your own voice and ideas. Avoid using AI-generated content, as the organisation values genuine expressions of motivation and fit for the role. This authenticity will help you stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Golden Bees
✨Show Your Passion for Food Systems
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food systems transformation during the interview. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to plant-based lifestyles and sustainable diets, as this aligns closely with ProVeg's mission.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail, especially those within the NGO sector. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, developed strategies, and engaged stakeholders to drive impactful change.
✨Be Ready for Fundraising Discussions
Since fundraising is a key responsibility, come equipped with examples of successful partnerships you've built and funding opportunities you've pursued. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the UK funding landscape and how you can leverage it for ProVeg's growth.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Your communication skills will be under scrutiny, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to answer questions about your vision for ProVeg UK and how you would represent the organisation to various stakeholders, including media and government bodies.