Food Projects Manager

Food Projects Manager – Repton Community Trust

Location: Repton Connect Community Centre, Ashford, Kent

Salary: £15 per hour (£27,300 per annum)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

About Repton Community Trust

Repton Community Trust is at the heart of the local community, providing vital support services, inclusive activities, and initiatives that bring people together. Our food projects are a core part of our mission, ensuring that individuals and families can access affordable, nutritious food while fostering a sense of community and reducing food waste.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Food Projects Manager to lead developing and expanding these projects, working with key partners, volunteers, and local businesses to make a lasting impact.

About the Role

As the Food Projects Manager, you will be responsible for:

Managing and Expanding Food Initiatives:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of community food projects, including food distribution, social food events, and education programmes.
• Identify opportunities to grow and improve existing projects, developing new initiatives that meet community needs.

Building Partnerships & Community Engagement:

• Develop strong relationships with local food suppliers, charities, businesses, and funding bodies to secure food donations and resources.
• Engage with the community, listening to their needs and creating solutions that promote healthy eating and reduce food poverty.

Volunteer & Team Coordination:

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support the delivery of food projects.
• Work with other team members across Repton Community Trust to integrate food initiatives into wider community programmes.

Budget & Compliance Management:

• Manage the food project budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Ensure all food-related activities comply with food hygiene, safety, and health regulations, maintaining high operational standards.

Advocacy & Awareness:

• Promote food sustainability and waste reduction, raising awareness through community events and campaigns.
• Work with marketing and communications teams to highlight the impact of food projects through social media, newsletters, and reports.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a motivated individual who is:

• Passionate about food security and community development.
• Highly organised, with experience managing food-related programmes or similar projects.
• A strong communicator, able to build partnerships and engage with diverse groups.
• A proactive leader, able to recruit, train, and support volunteers.
• Knowledgeable in food safety regulations (Level 2 or higher Food Hygiene Certificate desirable, but training can be provided).
• Comfortable managing budgets and working towards funding targets.

Previous experience in community food projects, hospitality, catering, or voluntary sector work would be highly beneficial.

What We Offer:

• £15 per hour (£27,300 per annum)
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (increasing with service)
• A key leadership role in a growing and impactful community organisation
• Flexible working arrangements, where possible
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families

How to Apply

If you are excited about this opportunity and believe you have the skills and passion to drive our food projects forward, we’d love to hear from you!

To Apply: Send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role by an email via the button below.

For further information, contact us at 01233 808023.

Closing Date: 21st March 2025.

Repton Community Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.