About Ponda
Ponda is a biomaterials company developing technologies to transform plants grown in regenerated peatlands into next-generation textiles for the fashion industry. Our first product, BioPuff, is an innovative insulation material used as an alternative to animal-based goose-down and synthetic fillers. By connecting the restoration of precious peatlands to the creation of healthier materials, farmers are able to build climate resilience whilst supplying an industry striving to reach net-zero targets.
About The Role
You will join us right at the beginning of our journey to refine and scale our agricultural supply, with a focus on wet farming (paludiculture) crops. In this role, you will create and deliver an innovative strategy for the expansion of feedstock supply in line with production growth targets. We are one of the first companies in Europe to actively source paludiculture crops, providing farmers with new opportunities to adopt regenerative practices that have huge carbon reducing potential.
Your role will include identifying and working with these key partners to develop a trusted network of suppliers. Through the careful management of agricultural projects, you will help to shape Ponda’s novel approach to material supply chains.
You don't necessarily need to have specific training in agricultural science or agronomy to join our team. We're all about diversity here, so if you come from a different supply chain, engineering or agriculture background, we'd love to hear from you! Your unique perspective and skills could be just what we need to revolutionise the world of paludiculture crops and sustainable textile production. Don't hesitate to reach out and show us what you've got!
This is a full-time position beginning as soon as possible.
Your Key Responsibilities Include
Biomass supply
1. Create and deliver an innovative strategy for the expansion of feedstock supply
2. Identify new farming partners and guide them through our supplier onboarding process
3. Oversee the creation of farmer contracts in collaboration with legal partners
4. Identifying funding opportunities for agricultural innovation
5. Work with operations department to develop logistics strategies and tools for multiple different sourcing models
6. Communicate agricultural goals and visioning to assist in business development plans
Product development and Innovation
1. Work with product testing department to develop clear quality improvement plans
2. Develop strategic links to agricultural processing facilities in line with product quality control measures
3. Work closely with farming partners to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and automation
Strategy
1. Monitor government and other support streams for new paludiculture projects
2. Keep up to date on relevant policy changes e.g., CAP, DEFRA
3. Manage relationship with government task force on paludiculture
4. Develop ties with existing projects in Europe
Who are you?
1. Degree level qualification in an appropriate technical subject or significant industry management experience at an appropriate level
2. Where appropriate hold an externally recognised professional competence (e.g., BASIS)
3. Willing to carry out hands-on and technical tasks as well as higher level management
4. Experience in managing new crop introduction and monitoring of both growth and environmental effects (desirable but not essential)
5. You have an empathy with producers and a broad understanding of agricultural processes
6. Flexible with attending regular site visits across the UK. Driving licence is essential
7. Willing to travel for site visits to European partners
8. You have the communication skills required to instil trust, influence and enthuse external partners
9. You can prioritise and plan effectively to meet deadlines and project targets.
10. You share our passion of wanting to shift the textile industry towards planet-positivity
What You Get In Return
1. Competitive salary
2. Be part of an innovative endeavour towards truly regenerative materials
3. Contribute to company research direction
4. Flexible working around core hours
5. Cycle to work scheme
6. Scale with a rapidly growing organisation, working with experienced and motivated individuals
7. Birthday day off
8. Fun! We work hard, but we make sure we enjoy the process.
Equal opportunities employer statement
Ponda aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We invest in people regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. We assure equality and respect. We do not accept any form of harassment, bias or discrimination towards applicants and employees.
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