SIMPLi is a sustainable food company with global operations on a mission to connect people around the world through the joy of food. By simplifying complicated international supply chains, we ethically source authentic, nutrient-dense, single-origin ingredients from around the world and bring them directly to consumers while improving the livelihoods of farmers and their communities.
iNGREDIENTS, iNTEGRITY, iMPACT, and iNNOVATION are the core values that guide everything we do. We are driven to create more equitable livelihoods for the farmers we work with, provide delicious ingredients through trusted supply chains for our customers, and improve the health of our planet along the way. If any of this resonates with you, then working at SIMPLi would be a great fit for you.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
We are seeking a visionary Director of Food Sustainability and Innovation to lead strategic initiatives aimed at advancing our company’s role in sustainable food systems. This senior leadership position will focus on driving innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, securing grants, influencing policy advocacy, and leading cross-organizational collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of regenerative organic agriculture, sustainability metrics, and the ability to influence global stakeholders and promote best practices. You will work cross-functionally to develop and execute initiatives that align with our mission to enhance sustainability and promote regenerative practices across the entire supply chain.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Sustainability Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with SIMPLi's mission and values.
- Lead our internal Regenerative Pathway Program (RPP) to transform conventional agriculture into regenerative agriculture.
- Shape and communicate the company’s value proposition to farmers, focusing on economic and environmental benefits.
- Monitor and report on sustainability performance metrics, including carbon footprint, water usage, and waste reduction.
- Establish and manage a system for tracking, measuring, and reporting SIMPLi’s impact across all operations and supply chains.
- Prepare detailed carbon footprint reports, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol, CDP reporting).
Product Innovation:
- Lead the development and innovation of new products, ensuring they align with SIMPLi’s sustainability and strategic company goals.
- Collaborate with the R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to identify market trends, consumer preferences, and sustainability opportunities to create differentiated and sustainable products.
- Develop and implement new packaging solutions that are environmentally friendly, recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable, in alignment with SIMPLi’s sustainability objectives.
- Integrate regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices into new product formulations and sourcing strategies, ensuring traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.
- Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in food processing to enhance product quality, reduce environmental impact, and extend shelf life while maintaining nutritional integrity.
- Conduct competitor analysis and market research to continually improve and innovate the product portfolio, ensuring SIMPLi remains a leader in sustainable and ethical food offerings.
- Work closely with suppliers, farmers, and partners to source high-quality, ethically produced raw materials that support regenerative practices and align with new product developments.
- Lead product testing, quality assurance, and compliance protocols for all new products to meet industry standards and SIMPLi’s sustainability criteria.
Partnerships and Advocacy:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, industry leaders, and key global stakeholders.
- Develop and manage global public-private partnerships that support sustainable food initiatives.
- Explore and secure grant opportunities to fund innovative sustainability projects.
- Advocate for sustainable practices both internally and externally, educating employees, partners, and customers about SIMPLi's regenerative commitments.
- Lead the company’s efforts in policy advocacy, working closely with governments and regulatory bodies to influence food system sustainability policies.
- Stay informed on and navigate global regulatory trends related to sustainable agriculture, carbon credits, and food systems innovation.
- Act as a key spokesperson on food sustainability and innovation, representing the company at global forums, conferences, and industry events.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in sustainability, innovation, or supply chain management within the food or agriculture industry.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing sustainability strategies, particularly in areas related to regenerative agriculture, ethical sourcing, or supply chain transparency.
- Strong understanding of sustainable food systems, certifications (e.g., Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certification), and industry best practices.
- Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional projects.
- Strong track record in building public-private partnerships, securing grants, and working on policy advocacy in the food and agriculture sector.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
- Passion for sustainable food systems, ethical practices, and innovation.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple strategic priorities.
PERKS & BENEFITS
• Competitive compensation
• Open vacation policy
• Paid parental leave
• A collaborative environment filled with passionate, knowledgeable, and driven people
• Access to awesome and delicious ingredients from around the world!
• Opportunities to travel the world to visit our farming communities!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
