Pharmaceutical Sector Engagement Lead

Join us at WWF-UK – Pharmaceutical Sector Engagement Lead

Location: Living Planet Centre, Woking, Surrey

Contract: Two-Year Fixed Term Contract full time (35 hours)

Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month

Salary: £43,851 - £50,000, depending on experience + excellent benefits

Safeguarding level: Level Two

About the role

We’re excited to be recruiting a Pharmaceutical Sector Engagement Lead (on a two years fixed term contract) to help shape and strengthen WWF’s global engagement with the pharmaceutical sector, supporting industry action that delivers positive outcomes for nature, freshwater, climate and sustainable production systems.

This is a strategic and collaborative role operating at the intersection of science, business engagement and environmental advocacy. Working across the WWF Network and alongside pharmaceutical partners, you’ll help drive ambitious, science-based action that supports WWF’s global mission to bring our world back to life.

You’ll help lead and support key partnerships within the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring they deliver meaningful and credible environmental impact while also acting as flagship examples of effective business and NGO collaboration.

Working closely with colleagues across WWF-UK, WWF International and partner organisations, you’ll help develop and coordinate WWF’s global pharmaceutical sector strategy, strengthen collaboration across offices and support consistent, evidence-based approaches to engagement and advocacy.

This is a varied role combining strategic thinking, partnership development and technical expertise. You’ll be as comfortable engaging senior stakeholders and facilitating collaboration as you are translating complex scientific or policy issues into practical action and clear business engagement approaches.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Significant experience working on sustainability issues within or connected to the pharmaceutical sector
• Strong technical understanding of pharmaceuticals in the environment, including water quality, biodiversity and sustainable production challenges
• Experience developing or supporting sustainability strategies, programmes or partnerships within complex organisational or multi-stakeholder environments
• Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector’s environmental footprint, including value chains, sourcing and manufacturing impacts
• Experience identifying risks and opportunities linked to nature-positive transformation, particularly in relation to water stewardship and sustainable sourcing
• Ability to translate complex scientific, technical or policy information into practical engagement approaches, communications or advocacy positions
• Strong analytical and project planning skills, including experience developing KPIs, monitoring progress and supporting reporting frameworks
• Experience building constructive relationships and influencing a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate partners, NGOs and public sector organisations
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work effectively across teams, functions and international networks
• Commitment to WWF’s mission and values, with a strong interest in driving positive environmental impact through sector transformation

Desirable

• Experience engaging with pharmaceutical sector platforms, industry groups or collaborative initiatives such as PEG or PSCI
• Experience supporting or contributing to global policy, advocacy or sustainability initiatives linked to biodiversity, freshwater or climate
• Experience developing internal guidance, tools or knowledge-sharing resources to build organisational capability
• Experience supporting thought leadership activity, including publications, events or external communications
• Experience managing consultants, budgets or reporting requirements across multiple projects or funding sources
• Experience working within an international organisation, networked environment or matrix structure

What we offer

We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
• 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

About WWF-UK

We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.

At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.

We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

How to apply

Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.

We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout at ***email_hidden***

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.

Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.

We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.

If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.