Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Responsible to GCDA CEO

Job Summary

This is a new role which will provide strategic leadership for GCDA in all areas related to enterprise.  This will include identifying, leading and driving new projects, optimising and improving the overall performance of GCDA enterprises, managing our business support programmes and leading GCDA’s campaign role in supporting the growth of the regenerative economy.

This role joins the small senior management team providing knowledgeable and balanced support and advise on personnel, policy development and review, health and safety and safeguarding.

Specific Duties

1. Leading new enterprise development

Providing the project management role for new enterprises being established by GCDA. In the next 2 years this will be focussed on community hubs, but can range from energy co-ops to cafes, from contract catering to design consultancy.

1a) Coordinating all communications will external partners; landlords, local authorities, contractors, architects, lenders etc.

1b) Identifying, and creating a timeline for the engagement of, internal departments; IT, procurement, communications, finance, operations etc.

1c) Creating financial forecasts and performance measures for new projects

1d) Identifying all compliance and licensing requirements are fulfilled

1d) Oversee the recruitment of new staff with the support of the CEO

1e) Oversee the smooth launch of new projects and support the operation of new projects until handover

1f) Ensure all compliance is

1. Optimising and improving the overall performance of GCDA enterprises

Working with the project leads to identify areas for income growth and financial efficiencies to ensure the financial sustainability of each project without compromising the social impact.

2a) Identify new target customers for underutilised rooms for example – summer holidays

2b) Work with the operations manager and project managers to identify areas for efficiency

3c) Works with the comms team to ensure correct messaging which drives income

1. Enterprise Support and Development:

3a) Work closely with the CEO to identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with the Society’s aims.

3b) Conduct market research and create feasibility studies for new social enterprise initiatives.

3c) Develop business plans and strategies to ensure the sustainability of new initiatives

3d) Build relationships with local businesses, funders, and community partners to support enterprise growth.

3e) Lead the delivery of all commissioned business support programmes

1. Supporting the growth of the regenerative economy

4a) Representing GCDA at regional and national seminars which support and champion the regenerative sector. Including Social Enterprise UK and social enterprise places, Co-ops Uk and others

4b) Attending local partnerships including Anchored in Greenwich, the Co-op commission, The Chamber of Commerce representing GCDA and the regenerative economy sector.

1. Senior Management Team

5a) Attend weekly meetings with the senior management team to review any concerns related to Health & safety, safeguarding , personnel, policy changes or adaptions, financial performance, and anything else

5b) Contribute to whole agency strategy direction including internal and external consultations,  developing strategic plans and contributing to the 3 year business planning process.

1. Line management

6a) Provide effective line management to the enterprise staff team.

1. Policy compliance

Comply with all GCDA policies and procedures with particular attention to;

• All Health and Safety procedures and risk assessments
• GCDA Equality and Diversity Policy
• GCDA Vulnerable adult & Child Safeguarding Policy
• GCDA Team Values
• Line managers handbook
• Customer Care. Ensure that you, as a representative of GCDA, offer the highest standards of customer care and remembering you are representing GCDA at all times.

Other

• Attend Training as requested

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven project management experience, particularly in launching new ventures or managing complex setups.
• Experience in business development and delivery, including creating business plans and securing funding or investment.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A good knowledge of Human relations and personnel management
• Knowledge of compliance and licensing requirements for hospitality and community spaces.
• Experience working in the regenerative economy

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience in the not-for-profit or social enterprise sector.
• Understanding of community-focused projects and a commitment to social impact.
• Familiarity with the Catford and Erith areas and their communities.

Personal Attributes:

• Agile
• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing circumstances.
• Passionate about community development and social enterprise.
• Innovative and forward-thinking, with a creative approach to problem-solving.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on community development.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Professional development opportunities to grow your career in the social enterprise and charity sector

Application information

To apply, or if you have any questions, please email haley@gcda.org.uk for an application pack

Application Closing date Friday 18th April 2025 5pm

Interviews will take place on Friday 9th May 2025

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs