Eat Smart Development Manager
Organisation: Bind CIO
Location: Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). Permanent position. Job shares considered.
Reports to: CEO
Salary: £34,320 - £39,520 pro rata / £25,740 - £31,616 per annum
Key Information
Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered
In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle
The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
Please see the application process below, applications which do not provide the required documents will not be considered
We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application
If you require any further information, please contact info@projectbind.com(link sends email)
About Bind
BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here.
About Eat Smart
Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.
Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level.
As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.
Read more on Eat Smart here.
Role Purpose
This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations.
You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Growth & Project Development
Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively
Funding & Partnership Development
Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders.
Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations
Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications
UK Network Management & Evaluation
Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary
Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth
Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively
Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations
Marketing & Communications
Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK
Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels
Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment
Person Specification
Essential:
Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing
Strong project management and organisational skills
Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes.
Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails)
Desirable:
Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership.
Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors.
Knowledge of primary school systems
Experience of community engagement in the UK
Full driving license and access to own vehicle
** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **
What We Offer
Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme
A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact
Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only
Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley
Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying, please send the following:
Covering letter describing why you want to work for Bind on the Eat Smart project, your relevant experience and how you meet the job specification above (1 page maximum)
An up-to-date CV (2 pages maximum)
Contact details for 2 referees
Please attach the above to an email and send it to info@projectbind.com(link sends email) with an email subject of “Your Name + Eat Smart Development Meeting”
Please see the “Key Information” box above for a timeline and deadlines for the application process.