Local Programme Manager – Devon (Term Time Only)

Location: Home based in or close to North Devon, with regular travel
Contract: Fixed term – until the 30th July 2027. Term Time Only
Hours of work: Full-time – 35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri
Salary: £35,000 – £36,000 per annum FTE. Actual Salary: 29,447 – £30,288 per annum, based on working 38 weeks for a full academic year. Where the contract is for less than a full academic year, the salary will be pro-rated accordingly.
The ability to drive and access to a car is essential for this role

About our Organisation

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn’t do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.

About the Opportunity

As Local Programme Manager at Food for Life, you will lead the delivery of an innovative pilot programme that supports primary schools and early years settings in rural and coastal communities to improve food culture, food education and access to nutritious food. Working in partnership with schools, families, caterers, community organisations and local authority partners, you will help settings assess their needs, develop tailored action plans and implement practical improvements that support children’s health, wellbeing and learning. As a key local lead, you will also play an important role in testing and adapting approaches, capturing learning, and generating evidence to shape future food system interventions across Devon.

About You

You are a skilled relationship-builder with experience of working across education, food, public health, community or voluntary sector settings. You understand the factors that influence children’s food choices and have knowledge of school food systems, food policy and standards, and approaches to tackling health inequalities. You are confident with engaging stakeholders at all levels, facilitating change, delivering training and workshops, and turning ideas into practical action. You can manage competing priorities, use evidence and data to demonstrate impact, and adapt your approach within a dynamic and evolving programme. Above all, you are collaborative, proactive and passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, with a strong commitment to inclusion, partnership working and safeguarding.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The Soil Association and SA Food are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults that we work with. In accordance with this commitment we ensure that we follow a thorough and safe recruitment and selection process for all roles that work with children. This includes checking against the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where appropriate. Please note that if you are successful in your application to the role any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce