• Melbourne
• Full-Time
• Hybrid Work Model

A bit of an overview

• Competitive salary in the not-for-profit sector and access to full salary packaging arrangements (up to $15,900 + $2,650 Meal Entertainment benefits)
• Hybrid working – flexible working arrangements from home and our state-of-the-art co-share North Melbourne office
• Bonus leave at the end of the year
• Opportunity to be a game changer in securing our planet’s future food sustainability

A bit about us

Founded in 2017, Food Frontier is the independent think tank on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand. We’re committed to growing our region’s protein supply with new, sustainable and nutritious options that create value for businesses, farmers and consumers. Funded by grants and donations, Food Frontier’s research, events and engagements help businesses, policymakers and innovators to understand the emergence and unlock the benefits of plant-based meat, precision fermentation and cultivated meat.

A bit about the job

The Research & Data Insights Manager is critical to shaping and scaling Food Frontier’s program delivery and thought leadership, ensuring our team and stakeholders have access to high-quality, data-driven insights on the alternative proteins sector.

Reporting to the Executive Director – Programs, this is a critical position within our agile and pioneering enterprise that has recently undergone a significant transformation and restructure.

This role is the organisation’s authority on data. They will lead data curation, market analysis, and research efforts, transforming complex information into actionable intelligence that supports our advocacy, events, and strategic initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about research and data to contribute to the growth of a sustainable food future while working at the vanguard of an evolving industry.

Key role responsibilities

Research and market analysis:

• Collect, validate, and interpret data on market trends, investments, and developments in alternative proteins.
• Conduct secondary research to support thought leadership, policy engagement, and industry insights.
• Apply frameworks like S-curves and SWOT analysis to provide clear, strategic perspectives.

Data curation and insights:

• Manage and maintain a centralised database of industry research, ensuring accessibility for the team.
• Leverage AI tools to streamline research processes and optimise data organisation.
• Develop compelling visual reports, charts and presentations that translate complex data into meaningful insights.

Stakeholder engagement and collaboration:

• Support the development of white papers, publications, and key reports that influence decision-makers.
• Contribute to the curation of content and speaker selection for industry events like the AltProteins Conference.
• Work closely with leadership to inform strategic direction and strengthen partnerships.

A bit about you

You’re a team player who loves research and data, who derives joy from sharing this passion with others and seeing them use data for good. To do this we think you’ll need some of these attributes:

• You’re an analytical thinker – You excel at identifying trends, verifying data, and making sense of complex information.
• You’re data-savvy and tech-driven – You have experience with market analysis, visualisation tools, and AI-driven research.
• You’re a skilled communicator – You can translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives, and help others do the same, with the goal to inform decisions and influence stakeholders.
• You’re a natural problem-solver – You work efficiently under deadlines and navigate challenges with agility and pragmatism. You are all about what works.
• You’re genuinely enthusiastic about research and data – You love finding, verifying, and interpreting data to make sense of industry trends and helping others use data and insights for strategic decision making.
• You easefully toggle between thinking critically and strategically – You can see the big picture while maintaining rigorous attention to detail.
• You thrive in a small, agile, collaborative environment – You’re adaptable, balance being considered and responsive, and you thrive working in small teams with interesting people
• You’re motivated by our mission – like the rest of our team, you’re passionate about food system transformation and sustainability, human health and / or tackling inequality.

You will be a fit if you have the following

• Degree in a relevant discipline (honours or postgrad preferred).
• Strong research, data analysis and market intelligence experience.
• Proficiency in AI tools, CRMs, workflow systems and data visualisation platforms.
• Experience in industries like sustainability, food systems, sci-tech, policy, or R&D is a plus.
• Emotional intelligence and a positive attitude.

How to Apply

Here’s what you can expect when applying for this job with us:

• Application – Use the "Apply Now" link and in a cover letter tell us a bit about ‘you’ and how you have the experience and skills suitable for this role. Also outline your qualification, and which research or data gathering or modelling tools (e.g., Excel, AI tools, research databases) you are comfortable using. Don't forget your CV too.
  
• We’ll be progressing applications as they come in, so you’re encouraged to apply as early as possible if this looks like the role for you. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can direct them to [email protected] using the subject line: Research & Data Insights Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.
  
• A quick chat with one of our team – we’re people people, so we want to ask a couple of questions and get to know a bit more about you (<15 minutes over the phone).
  
• An interview with our Executive Director (Programs) and another team member.
  
• Reference checks.

If we’re really curious we might ask for some examples of your work or ask you to complete a brief task.

A bit more on why you should join our team

• Competitive salary in the not-for-profit sector and access to full salary packaging arrangements ($15,900 + $2,650 Meal Entertainment benefits) further lifting the value in your take home pay.
• Bonus leave – you can enjoy additional paid annual leave days at the end of the calendar year.
• Flexible working life and WFH provisions - work-life balance is important. Flexible working arrangements: working from home and coming to our state-of-the-art co-share North Melbourne office.
• Ideal office location within Our Community House – North Melbourne with access to end-of-trip facilities, regular learning seminars, monthly networking events to connect with others working in the social change sector.
• Opportunity to be a game changer in securing our planet’s future food sustainability.

We are dedicated to equality, and value diversity and inclusion. We are committed to initiating and driving change to ensure Food Frontier is a safe and welcoming environment for all. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

A position description is attached.

Food Frontier acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.