Programme Manager
Plastics Team
Cowes, Isle of Wight or Remote UK base.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to building a circular economy, so we can create a better future for business, society and the natural world. As part of our Plastics Team, you will work collaboratively across the Foundation to drive our common vision of a circular economy, in which plastic packaging never becomes waste.
The Business Action team catalyses our cross-value chain business network to take action on plastic waste and pollution. This is an opportunity to drive systemic change in packaging, leading some of our most high-profile programmes – including the Global Commitment – whilst shaping the strategic direction.
This position is for someone with proven senior stakeholder management and convening experience, a demonstrated understanding of the plastic packaging industry and/or circular economy, and expertise in corporate disclosure.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most prominent sectors and contribute to a global transition towards a circular economy. You will work alongside passionate, expert colleagues and partners who are committed to creating lasting change in a collaborative and forward- thinking workplace culture.
Role & Responsibilities:
You will work closely with the Business Action Lead and Executive Lead to shape and deliver the team’s strategy as well as leading the Global Commitment programme and be responsible for the delivery of the 2030 Plastics Agenda report. You will also lead the Pioneering Projects programme, supporting our business network in delivering pre-competitive collaboration projects designed to move from discussion into real-world impact on plastic packaging, and oversee the bi-annual Plastics Workshop programme for 100+ attendees.
You will line manage two members of the Business Action team, supporting their professional development and helping to deliver against programme objectives.
Main areas of work:
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Programme Delivery — Manage the delivery of multiple workstreams, across the Global Commitment, 2030 Plastics Agenda report, Pioneering Projects and Plastics Workshops. Support the team to deliver through strong project planning and management. Support alignment of the work across the entire Plastics Mission to maximise impact of deliverables.
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Strategic Thinking and Thought Leadership — With the support of the Business Action Lead and the broader team, develop the strategy for the work streams under your responsibility. You will lead the development of industry-leading perspectives and research for the initiative, including the 2030 Plastics Agenda report and contribute to the development of the broader Plastics strategy. Understand the landscape and pressure points across the plastics industry to make informed decisions.
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Relationship Management and Development — Coordinating international outreach, relationship building, and stakeholder management, including engagement with businesses (such as FMGCs, retailers, packaging producers, plastic producers, and recyclers), NGOs and international institutions. Represent the Foundation at key meetings and events, and on occasions with the media, to consistently promote our vision of a circular economy. International travel to events and to engage local stakeholders may be required.
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Team Development — Share knowledge and skills with team members, to coach and support their personal and professional development.
Your Profile:
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It is essential that you demonstrate proven experience of leading successful multi-stakeholder initiatives within the plastic packaging industry and/or circular economy, and expertise in corporate disclosure of packaging usage and/or publishing external reports.
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A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience in a relevant sector (e.g. business, economics, NGO).
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Project management experience with proven capability of managing multiple projects in parallel with tight deadlines, ensuring high-quality results, and effectively collaborating with various internal functions and departments.
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Relationship management experience, particularly in the context of global, multi-stakeholder initiatives; the ability to interact effectively with individuals at various management levels across a variety of organisations and geographies.
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Communication and facilitation skills, including public speaking; evidence of delivering impactful workshops or events; evidence of having written engaging documents.
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Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; ability to process and summarise complex information and tailor it to the relevant audience and context.
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Line management experience desirable.
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Excellent written and spoken English.
Apply by clicking the green icon where you will be asked to upload a CV and covering letter.
Desired starting date: as soon as possible.
Closing date: 3rd May 2026
Salary package: Circa £59,000 per annum dependent on experience level plus generous holiday allowance (25 days plus UK Bank Holidays plus discretionary organisational extra days leave at Christmas and Easter), generous parental leave; enhanced pension options/private health scheme after 6 months; wellbeing programme.
Location: Our office is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight. A remote UK location will be considered for this role.
Application process:
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Initial Zoom meeting with our Talent team and prospective Line manager to start the process (we will send you the outline of the interview, so you know what to expect).
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A work-related assignment to complete at home or as part of the interview process so we know you will be comfortable with the type of work you would do here.
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Interview with our People Team, Team Lead and prospective manager.
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For more senior roles we will conduct a presentation interview too.
What we do
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reuse, replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste, and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energy and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.
Our commitment to you
We are keen to receive applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, including (but not limited to) those of colour, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people from other marginalised groups. It is important to us that our recruitment approach makes the opportunity as accessible as possible and ensures a diverse range of people are able to demonstrate their potential. We would be happy to provide any further support that you may require - please get in touch so that we can work together.
If you would like further information on our diversity and inclusion policy or any further assistance, please contact us at recruitment@ellenmacarthurfoundation.org.