Deputy Director, Responsible Sourcing in Oxford

We're seeking a highly experienced strategic and technical leader with extensive experience (15-20 years) to help shape the future of our responsible sourcing work. This is an exciting opportunity for a recognised expert in sustainable agricultural supply chains to lead complex global client projects, influence industry direction and strengthen Proforest's thought leadership. You'll combine deep technical expertise with strong client influence, organisational leadership and a passion for developing people and capability.

Who are we? Proforest is a mission-driven organisation working with companies, governments and civil society to build resilient agricultural and forestry supply chains and thriving production landscapes that deliver positive outcomes for People, Nature and Climate. We work with leading multinational companies, including Nestlé, PepsiCo, Mars, The Coca-Cola Company and Cargill, as well as regional market companies to set and implement their responsible sourcing commitments. Our Responsible Sourcing team brings together a global network of technical experts specialised in environmental sustainability, climate and human rights across agricultural and forestry supply chains. We address sustainability issues including forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, human rights, livelihoods and climate change.

What will you do? You will join our European Responsible Sourcing Team, working with global and regional consumer goods companies to support the implementation of their responsible sourcing commitments across a set of commodities and issues. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Client Partnerships (60%)
  • Lead and provide strategic oversight on a portfolio of large & complex responsible sourcing projects with companies and across regions.
  • Shape and influence client strategies across a range of sustainability topics through expert technical advice and strategic leadership.
  • Develop long-term partnerships with senior decision-makers to guide their decision making and support sector transformation.
• Technical Leadership & Innovation (20%)
  • Lead the development of cutting-edge approaches and set strategic directions for responsible sourcing to increase our impact.
  • Ensure Proforest's technical approaches remain credible, relevant and impactful.
  • Represent Proforest leadership and innovative thinking in industry initiatives and stakeholder forums and build a network.
  • Connect learning across programmes, commodities and regions to strengthen organisational expertise.
• Organisational & People Leadership (20%)
  • Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams within client projects.
  • Mentor future leaders and contribute to organisational capability development.
  • Foster collaboration across teams, regions and technical disciplines.
  • Support organisational planning, change initiatives and continuous improvement.

What is your profile? You'll be a highly strategic and influential leader with recognised expertise in nature-related sustainability within agricultural and forest commodity supply chains. You will bring extensive international experience, strong industry networks and a track record of helping organisations address challenges related to forests, biodiversity, land use and water stewardship. Significant professional experience (typically 15+ years) in consultancy or private sector role working in or with food and consumer good companies and the responsible sourcing of agricultural commodity supply chains. Experience leading complex international projects and building long-term partnerships with various stakeholders. Deep and recognised expertise in nature topics such as forest conservation and restoration, biodiversity, water stewardship and regenerative agriculture. Proven ability to influence senior executives and shape strategic decision-making. Be able to make principled decisions under pressure. Ability to set the standard for quality, integrity and professionalism. Strong people leadership skills, including creating conditions for others to succeed. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and presentation skills. Relevant Master's degree or equivalent experience. Experience working on other topics such as human rights, livelihoods and climate changes. Experience working with European crops such as dairy, vegetables or grains. Knowledge of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Bahasa or Mandarin. Experience in industry initiatives, multi-stakeholder platforms or sector collaborations.

Why should you work for us? You’ll be part of a global organisation with a shared vision, working in offices across 8 countries with staff from more than 17 countries, speaking more than 40 languages.

What else does Proforest offer?

• 25 days plus public holidays (with an extra 2 days the following year should you take your well-earned holiday within the year).
• We contribute to your pension (up to 8%).
• We support learning and development with a dedicated team to help you achieve your goals; we provide access to training for knowledge and competency development.
• Life insurance and income protection insurance.
• We organise regular in-person team gatherings, regional and international knowledge exchanges and social events.

Key information:

• Location: Oxford, UK or Leiden, The Netherlands.
• Salary: £75,000 - £82,000 per annum (for the UK) depending on skills and experience.
• Working hours: Full time.
• Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis. We encourage staff to attend the office regularly to maximise interactions with colleagues and encourage collaboration, but we also appreciate individual circumstances and preferences. We prefer attendance at the office twice a week, if possible, with a minimum of once a week. We’d expect more office attendance at the start of employment to enable a smooth induction.
• We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.