Founders Associate

The Collective Network; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive healthcare coverage

Annual Learning & Development budget

Wellbeing budget

Working abroad opportunities

Team events

Discounts on products

Birthday off

Job summary

A high-growth startup in the food industry is seeking an enthusiastic Founders Associate. You will work directly with the founders, engage in impactful projects, and develop your skills in a dynamic environment. Ideal for curious graduates eager to make a real difference. Full-time position in England with extensive perks including healthcare coverage and a personal development budget.

Qualifications

• Smart, curious, and eager to learn.
• Analytical mindset – numbers and logic are your friends.
• Clear communicator – both written and verbal.
• Self-starter who takes ownership from day one.

Responsibilities

• Tackling priority projects that actually move the business forward.
• Turning problems into solutions using data, logic, and creativity.
• Tracking and reporting key initiatives.
• Analyze growth opportunities and market trends.
• Produce clear outputs (board slides, project plans).
• Spot inefficiencies and fix them proactively.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Clear communication

Self-starter

Attention to detail

Collaborative spirit

Ownership

Resilient

Education

Recent graduate

Job description

The Collective Network provided pay range

This range is provided by The Collective Network . Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from The Collective Network

Founders Associate – For Graduates Who Don’t Want a Boring Job

Let’s be honest: you didn’t go to uni to make PowerPoints about PowerPoints.

We’re working with a high‑growth startup that’s shaking up the food world. In just a few years, they’ve gone from a bold idea to a thriving business, serving thousands of happy customers across the UK. Now, they need someone smart, curious, and hungry to join as a Founders Associate.

What the Job Actually Is

It’s the role we wish we’d had when we left uni. You’ll work directly with the founders, getting hands‑on experience in everything: improving customer experience, building operational processes, testing new growth ideas, and analysing performance. Every day is different, and you’ll be trusted to take ownership from day one. You don’t need loads of experience, you need curiosity, hustle, and the drive to learn fast.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Tackling priority projects that actually move the business forward.
• Turning problems into solutions using data, logic, and a bit of creativity.
• Tracking and reporting key initiatives like a pro.
• Analysing growth opportunities, market trends, or commercial performance.
• Producing clear, sharp outputs, board slides, project plans, or anything that matters.
• Spotting inefficiencies and fixing them before anyone else does.

What You’ll Bring

• Smart, curious, and eager to learn.
• Analytical mindset – numbers and logic are your friends.
• Clear communicator – both written and verbal.
• Self‑starter – you don’t wait to be told what to do.
• Collaborative but happy to own your work.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to bounce back from setbacks.
• Attention to detail and pride in doing things properly.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

• Learn how a real business is built from the inside.
• Work directly with founders and leadership.
• Exposure to high‑impact projects early in your career.
• Fast‑track role for future operators, founders, or generalists.
• Be part of a mission‑driven team with big ambition.

Perks (Because You’ll Probably Want to Know)

• Extensive healthcare coverage, including top‑tier cancer support.
• £250 annual Learning & Development budget.
• £100 wellbeing budget.
• Up to 2 weeks working abroad per year.
• Team events – from axe throwing to cocktail making.
• Discounts on products for yourself and friends/family.
• Birthday off, because why not?

The Mindset We’re Looking For

• Hungry to grow and unafraid of hard work.
• Ready to take responsibility and earn it.
• Flexible, positive, and willing to get stuck in.
• Excited to be part of something that actually matters.

If you’re a graduate who wants to learn fast, do real work, and make an impact, this is the role you’ve been waiting for.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Manufacturing
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing