Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive – full-time, permanent, London (flexible/hybrid)

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation through the next phase of its growth and development. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and energetic senior player to lead a small executive team, along with many highly dedicated and capable Institute members, as we embark on a number of key development projects which will continue to grow our charitable activities and influence in the food sector. The role is a key point of contact and ambassador for the Institute with many senior and influential stakeholders within the food sector and governments.

We are looking for a strong strategic and conceptual thinker, experienced in business and financial management, who can communicate with and influence people at all levels. The role leads a small team and will have significant hands-on involvement in day to day operational matters.

The individual will have attained a BSc or equivalent level, and have demonstrable experience in leadership and people management. They will have a broad understanding of the food (or associated) sector (and preferably experience working in the sector). Ideally, the individual will already have experience managing or running a charity, and so will have a practical understanding of charity governance best practice. 

With multiple activities from publishing through to professional recognition and from scientific and technical events and communication through to supporting the next generation of talent, the Institute is looking for a leader who can work creatively and yet in a focussed way to ensure all these activities are progressed.

Ideally, they will have previously worked for a professional membership body and are likely to have experience in the food sector.

About the role:

• Full-time, permanent. London-based (Hammersmith) with flexible working – the individual will be required to attend regular physical meetings, often in London, but with some other meetings in the UK. This role may also include some international travel. Salary: On application. No agencies.

About the Institute

IFST is the leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology.

As a charity and independent professional body, IFST is in a prime position to provide impartial, science-based information. In addition to publishing peer-reviewed papers, guides, periodicals and reports, we host events, webinars, lectures and conferences throughout the year.

We also aim to be a source of professionalism in our field that reflects the dynamic and innovative nature of food science and technology. We provide independent professional recognition of knowledge and skills. Our professional registers and accreditation schemes are widely recognised and valued throughout the sector as the benchmark for skills and expertise for food technical professionals.

IFST is guided in its decision-making and activities by its five values and through a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Values:

• Evidence-based - All that we do and deliver is based on evidence. This fundamental principle lies at the very core of IFST’s consciousness. We provide scientific evidence that the public, policymakers and our members can trust and use.
• Professional - We aim to be a repository of professionalism in our field of food science and technology and to ensure our profession serves the public. We demand and expect professionalism from our members whether drawn from academia, industry or the public sector.
• Innovative - Food science and technology is, by nature dynamic and innovative. Whilst a serious subject and with serious implications, it is exciting and fun. We will seek to reflect this dynamism in the way we work and communicate with others. We will therefore be responsive to the constantly changing environment in which we work and to the needs of our members and stakeholders. 
• Independent - Our independent position and voice is critical and is what we are valued and respected for. We will ensure our governance, agendas and outputs are based on the best and most complete evidence available and, in gathering this evidence, we will not be unduly influenced by any single views or commercial pressures. We will build trust by being open about all our decision-making processes.
• Food Science Community - We value our members as a community of food scientists and technologists. We respect and value the diversity of our membership and all that this diversity brings. We seek to learn from each other and always encourage a friendly, approachable, inclusive and supportive spirit from all who work for and with us.

IFST’s EDI Statement:

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) recognises that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation and excellence in scientific endeavours. We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, IFST aims to drive positive change and advance the field of food science for the benefit of society.

We aim to ensure that no individual or group is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity/paternity or religion.

We work to comply with all the legislation related to equal opportunities to ensure that the culture, philosophy and processes within IFST are free from bias of any kind.

We actively encourage applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience/skills and what attracts you to this role .Please note that any CVs received without an accompanying cover letter will not be considered.

All applications must be submitted via Charity Job no later than 5:00pm on 14th June 2024.