Field Digitalisation Manager

Better Cotton; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global not-for-profit organization seeks a Field Digitalisation Manager to lead the digital transformation of field data collection and management. This role involves developing data policies, supervising data digitalisation, and fostering innovation. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and technical expertise in digital tools. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the cotton sector.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangement

Opportunity for global remote work

25 days paid annual leave

Continuous learning and development

Enhanced parental benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing digitalisation projects.
• Strong understanding of field data policies and standards.
• Experience in user experience or service design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement field data policies and standards.
• Oversee field data digitalisation rollout across teams.
• Design pilots for geospatial data and remote sensing.

Skills

Geospatial Innovation

Leadership & Coaching

Data Governance

Process Improvement

Technical Knowledge of Digital Tools

Education

Experience in supply chains and sustainable practices

Tools

PowerBI

QGIS

Job description

The Field Digitalisation Manager plays a pivotal role in transforming how field data is collected, managed, and used across the organisation by leading the rollout of digital tools, developing data policies and standards, building team and partner capacity, and driving geospatial and impact evidence innovation. This role enables Better Cotton to make data‑driven decisions, improve operational efficiency, demonstrate impact, and maintain its leadership in the cotton sector, while ensuring resources are used effectively and digitalisation efforts are fully integrated into core business processes.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improving soil health across our network, improving farm income and supporting women’s empowerment among farmers and farm workers.

Responsibilities

• Rollout and Implementation of Field Data Policy & Standards: Develop and implement policy, support country teams, maintain data framework
• Supervise and Expedite Field Data Digitalisation Rollout: Oversee country plans, supervise coordinators, monitor progress, user support
• Geospatial Innovation: Design pilots for geospatial data, remote sensing, tool diversification, data management
• Impact Evidence Digitalisation: Conceptualise and implement impact crediting based on field data
• Capacity Building: Train and support in‑country staff on digital tools, GIS, and impact data
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work with MEL, IT, Programs, Traceability, and Standards/Assurance teams
• Resource and Team Management: Budget management, line management of global and country teams

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Thinking: Align data and digitalisation initiatives with wider IT & Data priorities, supporting organisational priorities that maximise long‑term impact and value.
• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in digital workflows and data systems, implementing scalable solutions that enhance performance and reduce costs.
• Leadership & Coaching: Build and guide high‑performing, cross‑functional teams across geographies, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Deep Technical Knowledge of Digital Tools (e.g., PowerBI, CommCare, ODK, QGIS) and understanding of software functionality, reporting capabilities, data schema, and business logic.
• Data Governance & Standards: Develop and implement field data policies, standards, and frameworks.
• IT Product, Project, and Change Management experience, including managing IT projects, objectives, KPIs, and SLAs.
• Experience with supply chains, textiles, sustainability standards, and not‑for‑profit organisations.
• Background in user experience, interaction, or service design (wireframes, prototyping).
• Understanding of chain of custody and traceability technologies.
• Experience in IT support (1st or 2nd line).

What we offer

• Hybrid working – one day per week in the office central London.
• The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year.
• Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time.
• Continuous learning and development.
• 25 days paid annual leave, plus 8‑9 Bank Holidays and a further 3 days off over the end‑of‑year period.
• Enhanced parental benefits.
• A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued.
• The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full‑time (40 hours per week) and will be based either in London. Better Cotton Initiative offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm. The position may require limited international travel.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1‑page maximum) by or before 31.12.2025 via the application link.

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton Initiative. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Better Cotton Initiative does not use artificial intelligence or automated screening tools in its hiring process. Every application is reviewed by our People & Culture team and relevant hiring managers to ensure a fair and human‑led assessment experience.

Our hiring process

• Initial Screening: Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicants. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.
• Interviews: If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton Initiative may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.
• Assessment and Testing: Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.
• Reference Checks: Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton Initiative to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.
• After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is a global not‑for‑profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible)
• Integrity (including responsible, authentic)
• Positive (including problem‑solving, pragmatic)
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic)
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game‑changing)

Better Cotton Initiative is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero‑tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.