At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and advance organic standards in the fast-growing aquaculture sector.
- Company: Join the Soil Association, a leading charity for health, environment, and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and welfare in aquaculture.
- Qualifications: Experience in aquaculture and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for community engagement and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh or Home Based (with regular UK travel and occasional international travel)
Salary: £40,000 – £44,010 pa (FTE), pro-rata £32,000 – £35, FTE)
Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 Months
Interviews: Interviews will take place online on Tuesday the 3rd or Wednesday 4th March
About our Organisation
The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests.
About the Opportunity
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing farming sector globally, and this role places you at the heart of a rapidly evolving and influential industry. It offers a unique opportunity to shape and advance the Soil Association's organic standards to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve welfare outcomes for farmed fish. Working across diverse and sometimes competing perspectives—including government, academia, rural communities, and aquaculture operators throughout Scotland—you will help build consensus on complex and high-impact challenges.
About You
With first-hand experience of aquaculture, you understand the challenges facing the industry and have the energy to find the right solutions to overcome them. You're great at quickly building relationships, appreciating the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders and skilled at facilitating meetings to reach consensus. You easily grasp technical details, confidently working within regulatory frameworks and using your strong project management skills to ensure succinct board papers and updated standards documents are delivered on time.
Our Benefits
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager employer: Soil Association
Contact Detail:
Soil Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aquaculture industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for aquaculture shine through. Share your ideas on sustainability and welfare outcomes for farmed fish. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested in making a difference!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before the interview! Understand the Soil Association's mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show you’re engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in aquaculture and how it aligns with the Soil Association's mission. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your project management abilities and stakeholder engagement. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure your key points stand out so we can quickly see why you’re the right fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soil Association
✨Know Your Aquaculture Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in aquaculture. Familiarise yourself with the Soil Association's current standards and how they impact sustainability and welfare. This will show your passion for the industry and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, try to connect with people in the industry beforehand. Whether it's through LinkedIn or local events, having some conversations can give you insights that will help you during the interview and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific challenges in aquaculture. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex situations or built consensus among diverse groups. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Show Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your project management experience, especially in relation to regulatory frameworks. Highlight any relevant projects where you delivered results on time and how you ensured all stakeholders were kept in the loop. This will showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.