Packaging EPR Programme Manager

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable packaging in the UK? The FDF is seeking a dynamic and strategic Programme Manager to lead the delivery of our members' ambition to establish a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the forthcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. This high-impact role is at the heart of our packaging strategy, with three key objectives:

• Collaborating with DEFRA and producers to design an efficient, effective PRO that maximises environmental outcomes. The three immediate key workstreams are to design the system, finance the set-up of the PRO, and establish the PRO as a legal entity.
• Establishing the structures and mechanisms needed for a scalable, producer-led EPR scheme.
• Provide programme management to support the PRO's development, working with members, governments and the broader packaging value chain, to ensure it is ready to operate independently.

This role can be based in FDF’s London or Edinburgh offices, with an expectation of frequent travel to London.

Key responsibilities

• Work with packaging policy colleagues to develop and deliver policy work on EPR and DRS
• Drive forward co-design work on the PRO with DEFRA with direction from the PRO steering group
• Building on the work done to date to establish a PRO, work with the team, DEFRA and members to incorporate the organisation with its own independent board
• Support the onboarding of members to the PRO steering group as well as keeping producer sector bodies updated
• Support PRO steering group, PRO chair and board members with secretariat support
• Write policy and technical updates relevant to implementation of EPR and DRS as directed by the Head of Packaging Policy and Head of Packaging Advocacy
• Provide secretariat lead for the PRO steering group and any associated working groups
• Keep members updated and on detailed policy work relating to PRO
• Manage day-to-day engagement with DEFRA, members, industry groups, and value chain partners to support the PRO’s technical setup and broad development.

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the UK’s political and policy landscape, with a particular focus on packaging and environmental issues
• Working with or within the packaging value chain
• Project management experience
• Experience of working in partnership and collaboration with industry and public sector
• Experience of dealing with stakeholders who may feel threatened by something being perceived as a disruptor of their long established business model
• Understanding of the packaging reforms and the wider value chain
• Experience in distilling complex technical information and presenting this in an accessible and engaging way
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

How to Apply

To apply, please send us your CV and salary expectations illustrating why you’d be a great candidate to recruitment@fdf.org.uk

Closing date: 9 December, 5:30pm

The FDF operates as an equal opportunities employer

We believe in equal opportunities for everyone and we won’t define people by their race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion or beliefs, age, or disability. We are happy to discuss flexible and agile approaches to working for all our roles – we can’t promise we will be able to offer you everything you want or need but we do promise to discuss it with you openly and honestly. If you have any reasonable adjustment needs arising from a disability or medical condition to fully participate in the recruitment process, please discuss this with our recruitment team.