Meals & More Managing Director

Sysco; Ashford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service organization seeks a Managing Director for Meals & More, a charity supporting children living with poverty in the UK. This role involves strategic growth, day-to-day management, and relationship building with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in the charity sector, understanding of child poverty, and a commitment to making a difference. Competitive salary and attractive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance of £5,500 per annum

Pension scheme

Private medical healthcare

25 days holiday plus options to purchase additional days

Discounts on food and shopping

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a charity or similar organization.
• Ability to build authentic relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in school catering or holiday provision preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Meals & More's charitable purpose.
• Develop growth strategies in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Support the Corporate Partnerships Manager in creating a sustainable funding pipeline.

Skills

Experience in the charitable sector

Understanding of child poverty

Knowledge of fundraising

Leadership skills

Flexibility

Commitment to making a difference

Job description

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Managing Director to head up Meals & More, a registered charity, on a full-time, permanent basis, reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Meals & More transforms school holidays by supporting healthy meals and enriching activities through trusted community partners. We collaborate with holiday clubs across the UK, focusing on areas of financial and social deprivation, ensuring children and their carers have a safe environment to grow and thrive. Celebrating 10 years in 2025, Meals & More was founded by Brakes (now Sysco GB) and benefits from their support as our largest funder.

The Managing Director is responsible for the day-to-day management, strategic growth, and direction of Meals & More, including line management of a team of 3 colleagues. They also support and are accountable to the Board of Trustees, oversee finances and reporting systems, and work closely with stakeholders including trustees, colleagues, Sysco GB, delivery partners, and supporters across the UK and Ireland. Building relationships with stakeholders, including MPs, is also essential.

The role involves driving awareness and support, leading strategy development, and managing daily operations. Key responsibilities include:

1. Leading the delivery of Meals & More's charitable purpose through its delivery partners, including onboarding and data collection to demonstrate effective fund use.
2. Developing and implementing growth strategies in collaboration with stakeholders and reporting progress to the Trustees.
3. Supporting the Corporate Partnerships Manager to create a sustainable funding pipeline and increase financial supporters.
4. Developing new fundraising sources, including grant applications.
5. Acting as an ambassador externally and internally, fostering relations within Sysco GB and with external partners, including government organizations.

About you: Success in this role requires experience in the charitable sector, understanding of child poverty, and knowledge of fundraising. Leadership skills, passion, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to making a difference are essential. Building authentic relationships, collaborating openly, and leading with warmth and integrity are key qualities. Experience with the school catering, local authority, and holiday provision landscape is desirable.

What you'll receive: Meals & More supports children living with poverty and social isolation by funding holiday clubs across the UK. Since 2015, we’ve supported over 2.5 million meals and 35,000 children annually, aiming to double this support by 2030. We are committed to creating positive change through healthy food and enriching activities, fostering supportive environments that boost health, self-belief, and aspirations. We value diversity and inclusion, actively supporting applicants with adjustments needed during recruitment.

About Brakes: As the UK's largest foodservice supplier, we deliver high-quality food and ingredients daily to various clients, including schools and hospitals, with a workforce of 8,000. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone belongs and thrives.

Benefits include:

• A competitive salary
• Car allowance of £5,500 per annum
• Pension scheme
• Private medical healthcare
• 25 days holiday plus options to purchase additional days and bank holidays
• Discounts on food, cinema tickets, shopping, and cashback offers
• Recognition awards and incentives