Farming for Nature Specialist

About the role

In May 2024, Waitrose set out to lead the way in championing regenerative farming, supporting our UK farms in transitioning to a regenerative agriculture approach by 2030, which will protect nature, meet climate goals and build a resilient food system from the ground up. The team is expanding and this role will assist the team in delivering our ambitious plans at pace.

You are responsible for supporting the delivery of the strategy for Farming for Nature Programme (Commercial), in line with the wider business strategy which will influence Customers, Partners and suppliers.

You will support delivery of the Partnership’s Farming for Nature strategy through leading on select initiatives, data analysis & data management to report on Programme KPIs, support and provide guidance for other teams.

In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.00 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

• Expected Salary- £48,000- £60,000

• Contract type- This contract is a permanent contract, 35 hours per week.

• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The team aims for 3 days per week in the office to connect across both Leckford and Bracknell.

• Location - This role is based at The Leckford Estate with regular working at Head Office, Bracknell. 

Key responsibilities

You will use your expertise across the business and supply base to engage with key stakeholders, both internal and external, enhancing and differentiating the Partnership’s position as a market leader for Regenerative agriculture and publicly representing the Partnership if required. 

You work with the Leckford Farming for Nature Commercial Team and Partners across the Partnership to deliver the commercial and market advantage that the Programme opportunity provides to the Partnership. You will be customer focused with the aim that customers are more engaged than ever, responding positively to our initiatives and challenging us to go further.  

Direct Responsibilities include:

• Data collection and reporting to Commercial, E&S & Suppliers

• Support internal stakeholder meetings including building internal & external engagement packs

• Management and development of both Farming for Nature website & Commercial website

• Supporting Leckford trade plan 

• Supporting internal and external communications with Partner Comms 

• Managing Leckford Visits (on and off Farm)

• Managing external and internal queries 

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Strong IT and data management & analytical skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Strong presentation skills 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Strong interest in and passion for sustainability and or farming 

• Strong attention to detail 

• Experience in leading the delivery of successful strategic projects  

Desirable skills/experience you may have

• Degree level qualification or 3 years relevant experience. 

• Experience in the relevant area of expertise. 

• Knowledge of Regenerative Agriculture in a retail context  

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The Partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.  

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.   

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. 

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. 

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.  

Important points to note:  

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.  

We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, and therefore, we recommend you apply early. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability which means you may need longer to complete your application please contact us as soon as possible.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview. 

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