Executive Director, ProVeg UK

Role Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.

ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media.

The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Job Details

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
• Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
• Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
• Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
• Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
• Manage governance and engagement with the UK board

• Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
• Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals

• Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level) in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
• Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs
• Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
• Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
• Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
• Knowledge of good governance practice
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
• Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
• Career development support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Compassionate animal companion leave
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
• Membership to the OpenUp platform
• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!

When?

Application deadline: 15.06

First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06

Trial task: 03.07-06.07.

Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07

Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!

Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.