Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager
CAPTION: Job details
* Posting date: 09 February 2026
* Salary: £32,000 to £35,208 per year, pro rata
* Hours: Part time
* Closing date: 22 February 2026
* Location: Edinburgh or home based with regular UK travel
* Remote working: Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week
* Company: Soil Association
* Job type: Contract
* Job reference: NC1496210EdiASIM
Summary
Aquaculture Standards Innovation Manager
Location: Edinburgh or Home Based (with regular UK travel and occasional international travel)
Salary: £40,000 - £44,010 pa (FTE), pro-rata £32,000 - £35,208 (0.8 FTE)
Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 Months
Interviews: Interviews will take place online on Tuesday the 3rd or Wednesday 4th March 2026
About our Organisation
The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That's because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.
We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it's needed the most.
About the Opportunity
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing farming sector globally, and this role places you at the heart of a rapidly evolving and influential industry. It offers a unique opportunity to shape and advance the Soil Association's organic standards to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve welfare outcomes for farmed fish. Working across diverse and sometimes competing perspectives—including government, academia, rural communities, and aquaculture operators throughout Scotland—you will help build consensus on complex and high-impact challenges. The role offers the chance to deliver meaningful change in a sector that has a significant impact on Scotland's rural economy and environment.
About You
With first-hand experience of aquaculture, you understand the challenges facing the industry and have the energy to find the right solutions to overcome them. You're great at quickly building relationships, appreciating the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders and skilled at facilitating meetings to reach consensus. You easily grasp technical details, confidently working within regulatory frameworks and using your strong project management skills to ensure succinct board papers and updated standards documents are delivered on time.
Our Benefits
We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
* 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
* Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
* Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
* Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
* Family friendly policies and flexible working
* Cycle to work scheme
* Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
* Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .
#s1-Gen
With first-hand experience of aquaculture, you understand the challenges facing the industry and have the energy to find the right solutions to overcome them. You're great at quickly building relationships, appreciating the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders and skilled at facilitating meetings to reach consensus. You easily grasp technical details, confidently working within regulatory frameworks and using your strong project management skills to ensure succinct board papers and updated standards documents are delivered on time., Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .
The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That's because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.
We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it's needed the most.
About the Opportunity
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing farming sector globally, and this role places you at the heart of a rapidly evolving and influential industry. It offers a unique opportunity to shape and advance the Soil Association's organic standards to strengthen environmental sustainability and improve welfare outcomes for farmed fish. Working across diverse and sometimes competing perspectives-including government, academia, rural communities, and aquaculture operators throughout Scotland-you will help build consensus on complex and high-impact challenges. The role offers the chance to deliver meaningful change in a sector that has a significant impact on Scotland's rural economy and environment.
Our Benefits
We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
Family friendly policies and flexible working
Cycle to work scheme
Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce