At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects on circular economy and packaging policy to reduce waste.
- Company: Join the Food and Drink Federation, a leader in sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive culture focused on health and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental policy while working in a vibrant London office.
- Qualifications: Degree or experience in environmental policy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Central London (Bloomsbury)
Salary: £43,750 with excellent benefits including 25 days holiday, private healthcare, leisure travel insurance, health & wellbeing allowance, interest-free season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
Hours: 35 hours per week; hybrid working (2-3 days in the office per week)
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is looking for a Senior Circular Economy Executive to join our Sustainability and Industry Growth team. This role sits within FDF’s Packaging team and will support the delivery of our environmental policy work programme. You will help members understand, influence and respond to circular economy and packaging policy developments, with a particular focus on policies aimed at reducing plastic and other packaging waste and increasing recycling. The role reports to the Head of Packaging Policy and is graded at Senior Executive level.
You will work on key packaging policy areas including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), Consistent Collections, the Plastic Packaging Tax, Packaging Recycling Notes and relevant international developments such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead specific areas of FDF’s policy work on plastics and packaging, including EPR, DRS and Consistent Collections.
- Support FDF’s engagement with Government departments, value chain partners, NGOs and other external stakeholders across all aspects of packaging policy.
- Specifically in relation to packaging EPR engage with members, Government officials, PackUK, UK Packaging PRO and value chain partners to support a practical and cost-effective scheme.
- Help run the Packaging Committee by preparing papers, capturing actions and progressing agreed workstreams.
- Carry out research and policy analysis to support evidence-based and influential FDF positions.
- Provide clear advice and updates to members on packaging policy developments and implementation requirements.
- Monitor UK, devolved and relevant international policy developments, assessing the impact on the food and drink manufacturing sector.
- Work collaboratively across FDF teams to ensure circular economy policy positions align with wider sustainability, industry growth and member service priorities.
- Coordinate policy projects and workstreams, agreeing outputs and timelines with colleagues and keeping stakeholders updated.
Requirements:
- Degree, relevant professional qualification, or equivalent experience in environmental policy, sustainability, regulatory policy or a related field.
- Experience in environmental policy and corporate sustainability, particularly in increasing resource efficiency and circular outcomes in relation to packaging and packaging waste.
- Experience of engaging with multiple stakeholders, including members, businesses, Government, regulators, NGOs or value chain partners.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to distil complex technical information and present it in an accessible and engaging way.
- Good understanding of environmental policy implications for the food and drink industry and the ability to identify policy solutions.
- Interest in national and international regulatory and public interest issues affecting the UK food and drink industry.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to adapt to changing business and Government policy priorities.
Our Workplace:
We’re based in the heart of central London in a modern, bright open-plan office. We have a friendly work culture with great break-out spaces, quiet booths and opportunities for flexible-working. Our ‘Feel Good for Life’ team regularly organises events and activities to promote positive health and wellbeing.
To apply:
Please submit your CV by 20 August 2026, 4pm. You're also welcome to include a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and any relevant experience you'd like to highlight. This is optional, but it can be a great way for us to get to know you a little better. NB if you choose to include a letter, whilst AI can be a useful tool as a starting point in gathering your thoughts, it is important that this reflects you, your voice, your experience and your motivations. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Equal Opportunities:
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments for disabilities or medical conditions.
Senior Circular Economy Executive in Slough employer: The Food and Drink Federation
The Food and Drink Federation is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits and opportunities to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact in the UK's largest manufacturing industry. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages professional development in a vibrant sector.
Contact Details:
The Food and Drink Federation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Circular Economy Executive in Slough
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like The Food and Drink Federation that might not be advertised widely.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Circular Economy Executive in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with The Food and Drink Federation's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Senior Circular Economy Executive.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research The Food and Drink Federation and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that The Food and Drink Federation is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Senior Circular Economy Executive.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Food and Drink Federation
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with The Food and Drink Federation.
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Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of The Food and Drink Federation. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
