Head of Policy and Research

At Bite Back, we’re taking on a food system stacked against young people. Every day, young people are targeted by junk food marketing that puts their health at risk.

We’re a youth-led movement driving change by:

  • Calling out harmful industry practices
  • Demanding better food standards
  • Empowering young people to lead the fight for change

We’ve expanded into Scotland and are growing our impact across the UK and beyond.

We’re committed to building a diverse team and especially welcome applications from people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

A hand holding a sign that says 'We're biting back' in large, bold, black and red writing that has been painted on. The background is wooden slats on the wall of a building.

About the Role

We’re looking for a bold, strategic thinker to lead our policy and research work at Bite Back 2030.

As Head of Policy and Research, you’ll sit at the heart of our mission to transform the food system and protect children’s health. You’ll shape our policy agenda, oversee research that powers our campaigns, and ensure young people’s voices are embedded in everything we do.
You’ll act as both:

  • A technical expert on food policy
  • A public-facing leader, representing our work across government, academia, and civil society

If you’re excited by the idea of combining cutting-edge research with youth-led activism to drive real policy change this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

Research

  • Lead and shape research projects alongside the Director of Strategy & Delivery
  • Translate research into high-quality outputs (reports, briefings, submissions)
  • Work with campaigns and comms teams to bring findings to life creatively
  • Act as a spokesperson for research in media and policy settings

Policy Development

  • Lead development of policy positions across key and emerging issues
  • Produce consultation responses, submissions, and briefings
  • Ensure all policy reflects strong evidence and youth perspectives
  • Engage with experts to strengthen and challenge our positions

Evidence & Insight

  • Stay up to date on research in nutrition, climate, and public health
  • Advise internal teams and youth board on evidence and policy
  • Review outputs to ensure accuracy and impact

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build relationships with policymakers, academics, NGOs, and global bodies (e.g. WHO)
  • Represent Bite Back in coalitions and partnerships
  • Deputise for the Director when needed

Leadership

  • Line manage key team members (Research Manager, Impact & Evaluation Manager)
  • Contribute to organisational leadership as part of the extended leadership team
  • Lead policy and research strategy for expansion into new regions and countries

Who we’re looking for

Essential Experience

  • Significant experience influencing UK food policy
  • Deep understanding of food, nutrition, and obesity policy landscape
  • Strong expertise in policy research and communication
  • Excellent analytical skills (quantitative & qualitative methods)
  • Ability to translate evidence into impactful policy
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication
  • Experience managing teams
  • Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  • Passion for Bite Back’s mission and values

Desirable Experience

  • Strong networks across government, academia, and civil society
  • Postgraduate study in public health, nutrition, or similar
  • Experience working with young people
  • Innovative approaches to research and policy influence
  • Knowledge of devolved UK policy or international contexts
HEAD OF POLICY AND RESEARCH - JOB DESCRIPTION

The Job Description includes detailed information about the role, organisation, responsibilities and person specification.

How to apply

Apply via CharityJob with:

  • Your CV
  • A statement answering the following (max 500 words each):
  1. Recommend one food policy from the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan that Bite Back should prioritise in late 2026
  2. Describe a research project you’ve led and its impact
  3. Share a leadership challenge you’ve navigated and what you learned

Deadline: 9am, 13 May 2026

Timeline

Applications open: 22 April 2026 - 13 May 2026

Deadline: 9am, 13 May 2026

First interviews: Week commencing 18 May 2026

Second interviews: 1 June 2026 (London office 5 minute walk from Victoria Station)

Find out more

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
recruitment@biteback2030.com

Explore our Journey
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Accessibility & Support

We’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible.
If you need adjustments or support at any stage, please let us know.

If cost is a barrier to attending interviews, we can support with travel arrangements.