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JOB OPENING: Special Assistant to the CEO  

Location: Bristol or London, with travel
Salary: Competitive salary of £28,000-£30,000, commensurate with experience
Contract: Full-time
Organisation: Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) 

About the Sustainable Food Trust
The Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) is a forward‑thinking non-profit organisation working to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable, healthy and resilient food and farming systems. Founded by Patrick Holden in 2011, the SFT champions interconnected thinking — recognising the deep links between the health of soil, plants, animals, people and the planet. 

Our mission is global, and our work spans research, policy engagement, communications, and public advocacy. We collaborate with farmers, scientists, policymakers, businesses, and civil society to help build a food system that restores climate, nature and health. 

About the Role
Patrick Holden, CEO and founder, plays a prominent global leadership role in shaping the future of food — speaking at international conferences, advising policymakers and business leaders, and contributing to public debate on sustainable farming. 

The Special Assistant to the CEO is a new and high‑impact position created to support Patrick directly. Working closely with him day‑to‑day, you will help manage his dynamic schedule, coordinate strategic engagements, research opportunities, and support communications that amplify his voice and influence. 

We are looking for a dynamic, flexible, strategic thinker with good communication skills, political and media instincts, and a passion for food and farming. This is a high trust role working closely with the CEO, so a willingness to work flexibly, be self-motivated, and an adaptive and quick learner is essential.      

The role is based in Bristol or London, travelling with Patrick as needed.   

Key Responsibilities 

Executive Support (working closely with the EA to the CEO) 

• Manage the CEO’s inbox and correspondence, prioritising effectively and acting as a first point of contact when needed. 

• Support with diary management, arranging meetings and engagements and ensuring strategic use of the CEO’s time. 

• Prepare well-structured briefings and ensure follow‑up actions from meetings are completed. 

• Attend selected meetings, taking accurate notes, and tracking actions. 

• Maintain the CEO’s Outlook calendar and itinerary, ensuring accuracy and timely reminders. 

• Coordinate UK and international travel, including logistics, itineraries, accommodation and expenses. 

• Prepare and submit monthly expenses and mileage claims. 

Communications & Public Engagement (working closely with the Communications team) 

• Support the CEO at media engagements and enhance his professional presence on platforms such as LinkedIn. 

• Collaborate with the Communications and Projects teams to develop a strategic public engagement plan, supporting a consistent presence across high-profile international platforms. 

• Maintain and grow a database of high-level contacts across politics, media, business, philanthropy and civil society. 

• Draft op‑eds, social media posts, scripts and key messages that reflect the organisation’s voice and values. 

• Keep the Communications team up to date on upcoming events and speaking engagements. 

Wider Organisational Support 

• Attend SFT team meetings and keep abreast of organisational activities.
  Minute key internal meetings and track follow-ups. 

• Ensure timely communication and coordination with the Executive Director and wider team. 

• Contribute to research tasks and support project delivery as required. 

• Carry out any other reasonable tasks within the scope of the role. 

Person Specification 

• A degree in a relevant field — e.g. politics, communications, environmental studies, sustainability, public policy, or food systems. 

• Strong written and communication skills and excellent judgement. 

• A flexible, calm and highly organised working style. 

• Confidence navigating political, media or stakeholder environments. 

• High‑level proofreading, editing and typing skills. 

• The ability to learn fast, think strategically and handle sensitive information discreetly. 

• Willingness to travel and support a varied, fast-moving schedule. 

• A genuine commitment to the ethos and principles of the Sustainable Food Trust. 

 What We Offer 

• A rare opportunity to help drive global conversations on the future of food. 

• A role that encourages growth, initiative and meaningful contribution. 

• A warm, values-led team working for lasting environmental and social change. 

• Travel and learning opportunities across influential networks and events. 

• A competitive salary and benefits that reflect the responsibilities of your role.  

 How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. Applications should be emailed to: anneke@sustainblefoodtrust.org

Closing date: Monday 20th April 2026 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and recognise the value of diverse perspectives in achieving our mission. 

 

JOB OPENING: Project Officer  

Location: Home‑based, with regular travel to Bristol and UK farm sites 

Salary: Competitive salary of £28,000-£30,000, commensurate with experience 

Contract: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, permanent 

Organisation: Sustainable Food Trust (SFT)  

About the Sustainable Food Trust 

The Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) is a forward-thinking non-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating the transition to sustainable food and farming systems. Inspired by our philosophy of the interconnectedness of the health of soil, plants, animals and humans, our vision is for future food and farming systems that operate in harmony with nature, producing food that nourishes both people and planet.       

Our work is based upon three key pillars: farming policy and practice; measuring and valuing sustainability; and public awareness raising. We work catalytically and collaboratively through a combination of high-level lobbying, coalition building, public campaigning, education, and media networking.  

About the Role 

The Project Officer provides essential day-to-day coordination and delivery support for the Sustainable Food Trust’s wide range of projects, campaigns and events. This role is focused on ensuring project activities are executed efficiently, on time, and to a high standard to help make the case for a global transition to regenerative agriculture.     

Working closely with the Head of Projects and wider Projects team, the role holder will assist in the implementation of key projects, with a particular focus on developing the Beacon Farms Network. You will act as a point of coordination for external partners, farmers, and local communities, helping to turn SFT’s strategic goals into tangible impact.  

The role requires regular in‑person collaboration in our Bristol office (minimum once per week), alongside home‑based working. You will also need to travel to farms and events across the UK. Many farm sites have limited public transport access, so a driving license is highly desirable. 

We are seeking a motivated, organised and adaptable individual with excellent communication skills and a commitment to sustainable food systems. Project management experience is beneficial, though not essential; candidates with strong initiative will also be considered. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Project Coordination: Support the delivery of SFT’s project work by tracking timelines, coordinating meetings, and ensuring project milestones are met.  

• Event Support: Provide administrative and logistical support for events, from initial planning through to execution and post-event evaluation.  

• Operational Assistance: Help implement project activities that align with SFT’s organisational strategies and theories of change.  

• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the communications, research and policy teams to ensure project outputs are shared effectively.  

• Engagement: Act as a helpful point of contact for project stakeholders, including farmers, local communities, and partner organisations.  

• Financial Administration: Support the project leads by tracking project spend, processing invoices, and assisting with financial reporting.  

• Funding Support: Help gather data and information required for grant applications and reporting to funders. 

Person Specification 

Essential qualifications and experience  

• Subject Interest: A strong interest in food system sustainability and a degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field.  

• Coordination Skills: Proven experience in a project coordination or administrative role, with a knack for keeping multiple tasks on track.  

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear emails, summaries, and impact reports.  

• Organisation: Exceptional planning and prioritisation skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines.  

• Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative mindset with the ability to build friendly, professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.  

• IT Proficiency: Strong digital skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams) and ideally some familiarity with website CMS or project management software.  

• Adaptability: Comfortable working both independently (from home) and as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team.  

• Values: A deep commitment to the ethos of the Sustainable Food Trust and a passion for environmental and social change.  

What We Offer 

• A meaningful role contributing directly to the future of sustainable farming. 

• Opportunities for professional growth, learning and hands‑on project experience. 

• A warm, values‑led team working for lasting environmental and social change. 

• Regular engagement with farmers, communities and partners across the UK. 

• A competitive salary and benefits that reflect the responsibilities of the role.  

How to Apply 

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. Applications should be emailed to: anneke@sustainablefoodtrust.org 

Closing date: 20th April 2026 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and recognise the value of diverse perspectives in achieving our mission.