Associate: Agricultural Supply Chain Agriculture · Ponda, Bristol

Associate: Agricultural Supply Chain Agriculture · Ponda, Bristol

Ponda

Bristol

GBP 10.000 - 40.000

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.

This is a full-time position beginning as soon as possible.

Your Key Responsibilities Include:

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. Identify 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
7. Product development and innovation
8. Work with product testing department to develop clear quality improvement plans
9. Develop strategic links to agricultural processing facilities in line with product quality control measures
10. Work closely with farming partners to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and automation
11. Monitor government and other support streams for new paludiculture projects
12. Keep up to date on relevant policy changes e.g. CAP, DEFRA
13. Manage relationship with government task force on paludiculture
14. Develop ties with existing projects in Europe

Who are you?

Degree level qualification in an appropriate technical subject or significant industry management experience at an appropriate level

Where appropriate, hold an externally recognised professional competence (e.g. BASIS)

Willing to carry out hands-on and technical tasks as well as higher-level management

Experience in managing new crop introduction and monitoring of both growth and environmental effects (desirable but not essential)

You have empathy with producers and a broad understanding of agricultural processes

Flexible with attending regular site visits across the UK. Driving licence is essential

Willing to travel for site visits to European partners

You have the communication skills required to instil trust, influence, and enthuse external partners

You can prioritise and plan effectively to meet deadlines and project targets.

You share our passion for wanting to shift the textile industry towards planet-positivity

What you get in return:

Be part of an innovative endeavour towards truly regenerative materials

Contribute to company research direction

Flexible working around core hours

Cycle to work scheme

Scale with a rapidly growing organisation, working with experienced and motivated individuals

Birthday day off

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.