Senior Manager, Business Engagement (Urban Food Systems)

C40 Cities; City Of London; On-site; GBP 64,000; Full time

Job summary

An international climate organization in London seeks a Senior Manager to support European cities in implementing business programs that enhance the availability and affordability of sustainable foods. The ideal candidate will facilitate collaborations between public and private sectors and contribute to the success of the Good Food Cities Accelerator. This role requires strong experience in food environment interventions and excellent relationship management skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working internationally within Europe.
• Knowledge of food and climate agenda.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support cities to implement business programs for healthy food.
• Disseminate political narratives around food initiatives.
• Manage relationships with city officials and stakeholders.

Skills

Public-private sector collaboration

Food environment interventions

Relationship management

Fluent English

Strong communication skills

Job description

Background

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis, and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science‑based and people‑focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before.

C40’s team of 400+ staff is based in offices in London, in New York, Johannesburg, Singapore, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, Beijing and Paris, and individual staff based across 25+ different locations.

The strategic direction of the organisation is determined by an elected Steering Committee of C40 mayors, which is chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki‑Sawyer of Freetown. Three‑term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors, responsible for operational oversight. A regionally diverse management team, led by Executive Director Mark Watts, leads the day‑to‑day management of C40. C40’s three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.

Our international staff work with the C40 network under the leadership of city governments to deliver this mission. Using a data‑driven approach, our team identifies and promotes the exchange of proven programmes and policies developed by cities; provides world‑class research, technical expertise and access to key partners to deliver new programmes and policies with cities; and communicates cities’ individual achievements and collective leadership.

Diversity Statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision‑making, we deliver better.

We believe having a diverse workforce ensures we connect better with all the different communities and people affected by the climate crisis. This enables us to make better decisions which lead to better outcomes in the work we do through increased creativity, productivity, greater global impact alongside a broader perspective and approach to our work.

We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective. Our goal is for C40 to be an environment where everyone, from any background, can flourish and can be themselves whilst contributing to our mission. If you identify as a person with a disability, we work to provide reasonable appropriate measures and any additional support needed to provide an equitable working experience. If you are living with a disability, chronic illness or neurodiversity please inform us, to provide you with the proper assistance in the application process.

C40 promotes a work culture where staff can input to improve equity, diversity and inclusion through staff‑led groups and formal forums. We know that creating our ideal working environment is a learning process and we are committed to the ongoing effort.

Department Description

C40 Climate Solutions and Networks

C40’s Climate Solutions and Networks (CSN) team oversees six program areas focused on priority climate action sectors and interventions: Energy and Buildings; Transportation; Urban Planning; Food and Waste; Air Quality; and Climate Resilience. Under these program areas, CSN operates 16 different networks that facilitate city‑to‑city best practice sharing on specific climate action areas, such as clean energy or zero‑emission vehicles. The networks help cities replicate, improve and accelerate climate action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. These city‑only working groups provide for honest knowledge and experience exchange, enabling cities to tap into the global expertise of their peers as well as connect with technical partners. Through networks, cities find opportunities to undertake joint projects in areas of mutual interest and benefit. C40 networks also amplify individual city solutions by providing a global platform for showcasing city success. The result is that cities’ climate actions to reduce GHGs, air pollutants and climate risks are bolder, fairer, and more impactful than if they were to go it alone.

A number of these programs and networks also offer direct support to cities through technical assistance projects, training, tools, and resources, often in conjunction with other C40 teams and programs. The CSN team also supports cities to deliver on the mayoral commitments made through C40’s accelerators including, but not limited to, the Green & Healthy Streets Accelerator, the Good Food Cities Accelerator, the Pathway Towards Zero Waste, and Towards Zero Waste Accelerators. The C40 accelerators are statements of political leadership giving cities an opportunity to show leadership globally and locally.

The Food Programme supports C40 cities to transition towards regenerative resource management and reduce emissions through more sustainable consumption. The programme works with cities to make it easier to eat sustainably and waste less food, minimising carbon emissions and increasing resiliency throughout the urban food system.

Food is among the largest drivers of global environmental climate change. C40 research shows that emissions associated with food consumption in C40 cities account for 13‑20% of cities’ total (GHG) emissions. Today, most of the world’s food is consumed in cities, with 80% of all food expected to be consumed in cities by 2050. Bringing a new focus to how the world approaches food systems through a demand side approach, since launching the food activities in 2016 this has become an increasingly crucial area of work for C40.

The C40 Food Systems Network supports cities to create and implement integrated food policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience, and deliver health outcomes. There are currently over 50 cities involved in the Network. The Good Food Cities Accelerator (2019) has been signed by 16 leading mayors, who have committed to work with citizens to achieve a ‘Planetary Health Diet’ for all by 2030. Signatories are doing this by aligning their procurement, transforming the urban food environment, halving food loss and waste and working with local stakeholders to develop a joint strategy for implementing these actions inclusively and equitably, while streamlining food in their CAPs. Most recently, a new commitment has been launched to help cities transform food systems to tackle hunger, create thriving local economies, and build resilience within planetary boundaries. The Thriving Food Systems Accelerator (2025) has been signed so far by 12 mayors from Africa and Latin America.

C40 Climate Finance, Knowledge & Partnerships

The Climate Finance, Knowledge and Partnerships Department collectively works towards supporting cities to deliver on their climate action plans, share their knowledge, and engage key stakeholders in building global support for climate action. The team includes the following components: (i) the business engagement team which promotes city‑business collaboration on climate action (ii) the city finance programme which supports cities to access finance and engage with the finance community; (iii) the research and knowledge team which develops, captures and disseminates knowledge; and (iv) some of C40’s major partnerships including UrbanShift.

C40’s City‑Business Engagement team, as part of the Climate Finance, Knowledge and Partnerships unit, was created to support member cities in overcoming barriers to climate action implementation. It works to enhance collaboration with the private sector to drive innovation and deliver city climate targets. The City‑Business Engagement team provides wider coordination support across the organisation of private sector engagement and partnerships, working closely with regional and sectoral teams. One of the team’s key programmes is the City‑Business Climate Alliance (CBCA) programme, which offers tailored support and a Forum for 30+ cities to exchange ideas on how they can use their formal and informal powers to influence, regulate and collaborate with the private sector to achieve ambitious climate actions.

Position Description

• Directly support 3-5 European cities co‑create and implement business support and challenge programs to engage consumer facing food providers to increase availability and affordability of healthy and sustainable foods (particularly: small retailers, restaurants and big food service providers) at a level of ambition aligned with the goals of the Good Food Cities Accelerator
• Help disseminate and support adoption of a fit‑for‑purpose political narrative around the initiatives, which will provide mayors with support for framing this exciting and positive engagement and collaboration with the engaged private stakeholders
• Build a foundation for a regional Call to Action from European Mayors to work with larger retailers to accelerate the shift towards healthier and more sustainable consumption, aligned with the planetary health diets.
• Capture and disseminate learnings in order to support other cities more effectively engage the private sector, and support a wider group of cities to replicate successful engagements with the private sector to increase availability and affordability of healthy and sustainable foods by implementing their own initiatives.

The Senior Manager will be an experienced and proactive individual, able to manage their work independently and make the most of a complex portfolio in a high‑profile area of C40’s work. They will join a team of dynamic C40 staff and leading cities around Europe. They will be passionate about working with a diverse range of cities to find practical solutions to successful collaboration with the private sector.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Food Businesses Engagement Project work plan, including leading on all deliverables, and ensuring coordination with existing C40 Food and Business Engagement teams;
• Lead the process of cities selection and induction, building on the knowledge consolidated during the previous research phase of the project (see here), and the City‑Business Climate Alliance Programme (see here)
• Guide the participating cities through the process of engaging food businesses and designing initiatives that will help cities meet the goals of the Good Food Cities Accelerator. Organise regular meetings/brainstormings with all participating cities.
• Lead the selection and management of professional consultants for the participating cities on food business ecosystem assessments.
• Support the participating cities in planning and convening business community co‑design workshops.
• Manage relationships with city officials by promoting participation, leadership and open communication.
• Support the planning and delivery of virtual and in‑person peer‑learning meetings for the participating cities and for European cities in the C40 Food Systems and Business Engagement networks, including developing agenda content and managing logistics.
• Proactively collaborate with colleagues in the European Regional and Mayoral Engagement team, the Food and Business Engagement teams and across C40, including with the Communication and Campaigns, to effectively support cities and C40 advance their food business engagement agenda to achieve GHG reduction and health goals.
• Lead funder reporting processes and proactively seek opportunities for further programme development.
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade.

Person Specification

• Strong experience working between the public and private sector on food environment interventions, including on developing, implementing and advising on strategic interventions at the urban level.
• Experience in working with companies or business programs or partnerships, including an understanding of the interests, drivers and constraints of private sector partners with respect to the food and climate agenda.
• Experience working internationally within Europe, across time zones, in multiple languages, with different types of cultures and stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience in city engagement, and excellent relationship management skills – including proven understanding of political dynamics in cities and local governments, and of the strategic and technical needs of city leaders.
• Experience of successfully managing multi‑stakeholder programmes or partnerships from initial challenges to the co‑design and delivery of successful solutions.
• Proven ability in managing sub‑grantees, including developing and executing sub‑grant agreements, monitoring deliveries and programmematic performances and ensuring compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills essential, including proven ability to develop reports, deliver compelling messages and facilitate virtual meetings or webinars.
• Proven ability in developing, delivering and reporting on programme plans, including contract and budget management.
• Strong problem‑solving, interpersonal and strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery‑oriented approach required.
• Fluency in English essential; proficiency in another European language spoken in a C40 city strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

Applicants must already have the right to work in the country where they apply. Moderate travel will be required as part of the role.

We seek to recruit individuals who not only have the appropriate skills and experience for the role, but are committed to carrying out their roles in line with our organisational values.

Reporting To

Head of Business Engagement and Head of Food Systems

Term

Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2027 (The appointment and the duration of the role are subject to the final approval of funding)

Location

London – Please note that if your right to work in one of the listed locations is not confirmed at the time of applying, C40 will be unable to proceed with your application.

Salary

(Grade 3) £63,323 gross per annum – Due to its commitment to maintain equity and fairness, C40 operates on a spot salary model. This means that our employees are paid the same salary according to their grade and location.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 at 9am GMT. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications so please do submit applications early.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit www.c40.org, follow us on Twitter @c40cities and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/C40Cities.

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