Acre is delighted to be partnering with a purpose-led organisation in the food sector, in hiring a Sustainability Manager. This company are making huge strides in sustainability within the food and drink sector and due to this are looking to make a new hire into the sustainability function.
This newly created role offers the chance to shape the company’s circular economy strategy across packaging, food waste and water. You’ll work closely with operational, sustainability and policy stakeholders to maximise reuse and recycling, minimise waste, and ensure they continue to lead the way in sustainable food production.
You’ll join a highly respected Corporate Affairs, Policy & Sustainability team with a proven track record of real impact - from influencing government legislation to shaping industry standards through partnerships with Defra, WRAP, Fareshare and the Food and Drink Federation.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging and Circularity
- Develop and deliver the Packaging Policy, embedding circular economy principles across B2B and D2C operations
- Identify and implement reuse opportunities and packaging reduction initiatives across the supply chain
- Oversee packaging life-cycle assessments and ensure compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements, minimising taxation exposure
Food Waste & Resource Efficiency
- Lead the Food Waste Reduction Programme, driving measurable improvements across finished goods and raw materials
- Manage partnerships with redistribution charities including Fareshare and align the strategy with the UK Food & Drink Waste Reduction Roadmap
- Develop and implement a Water Strategy to ensure sustainable sourcing, efficient use, and lean water management across production facilities
Performance, Reporting & Engagement
- Collaborate with the Data & Disclosure Manager to monitor and report progress against circularity KPIs and sustainability objectives
- Represent the company in key industry forums, influencing policy and sharing best practice with bodies such as Defra, WRAP and FDF
- Partner with Marketing and Corporate Affairs to communicate the sustainability successes internally and externally
You’ll be a passionate sustainability professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, delivery and influence. You combine subject matter expertise in circularity, waste, or packaging with a practical understanding of how to drive results across complex organisations.
Essential Experience
- Proven success in a sustainability or environmental management role (3+ years)
- Evidence of implementing sustainability projects with measurable outcomes
- Experience collaborating across diverse business functions
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience
All candidates must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, reach out to me at lawrence.hallett@acre.com for more information.
