Who we are

Open Food Network Australia has been building better food systems since 2012. We drive global change at a local scale through a network of national organisations activating values-based supply networks. Our core activities and programs include software and tech solutions, regional food activation and research and food system projects.

Since inception in 2012, the global Open Food Network (OFN) community has pioneered models of short food chain distribution and continuously developed and improved open source software tools to support them. Our innovations have significantly shaped the paddock-to-plate platform technical ecosystem, with our commitment to open source and open standards enabling adoption and adaptation of our concepts and experimentation much more broadly. As a result, we are a leading provider of open and shared values-based supply chain digital solutions in Australia and internationally.

The OFN software platform is an open source e-commerce solution for agro-ecological farmers and food hubs that is used in 12 countries. The unique governance model of the OFN software platform has two key impact areas: to support resilient, local food systems and maintain control over food supply chains; to build a global commons of software tools and knowledge, through a network of affiliated not-for-profit and for-benefit organisations that collaboratively oversee development and use.

Another example of this is OFN’s inception and pioneering of the Data Food Consortium (DFC) interoperable open standard for food supply networks.

In May 2024, Open Food Network Australia launched the Discover Regenerative Portal, highlighting Australian regenerative producers and their achievements. The platform connects B2B buyers with producers to boost market demand for regenerative produce. With growing interest from producers and the industry, the focus now is on ensuring the platform's sustainability and enhancing producer visibility to support values-based purchasing in the regenerative agriculture sector.

In January 2025, Open Food Network Australia will be launching a pilot of a food voucher program that enables public and philanthropic investment into regenerative and short food supply chains via food subsidies for lower income communities. This program will be underpinned by a new product - VINE (Voucher Integration Engine) - which enables generation and redemption of food vouchers through Community Food Enterprises.

We are now looking to review our products and approach and set our direction for the next decade.

about the role

This role is fixed term (6 months), 3 days / week.

Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for strategically guiding our suite of digital infrastructure/tools for regenerative food supply and procurement, within a resource constrained environment.

Our suite of open source tools are developed as common resources in partnership with international communities. The role will contribute to and build on projects and partnerships funded in the US, UK and Australia and leverage this to drive targeted fundraising.

This position will work closely with the relevant project teams to deliver outcomes associated with tied funding, and to review and shape direction for these products. The candidate will work with local and global partners to identify strategic development and funding opportunities.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a values-aligned, creative Product Lead with demonstrated experience in technology leadership and strategy, who can:

• Work with our local and global communities and teams to understand our products and users; and challenges and opportunities from this perspective;
• Review the market positioning and opportunity space of our products, in light of changing and emerging priorities in regenerative food supply networks;
• Propose strategic directions for our products, enabling focus and prioritisation and to improve financial sustainability;
• Assess our product management and delivery processes and advise on / support implementation of improvements to ensure the most effective use of constrained resources;
• Lead conversations and partnership development around our products, locating and driving new opportunities for impact and investment;
• Manage delivery of strategic projects with tied funding requirements in relation to these core products.

Key Selection Criteria

Ideally, we are seeking a candidate with product management experience and knowledge who can demonstrate:

• Proven vision and ability to build products and features that customers and/or funders will pay for while maintaining alignment with OFN’s core mission
• Proven experience managing limited resources across a portfolio of products
• Proven ability to review market opportunities, identifying and bringing new products and features to market
• Proven experience in aligning strategy and business direction and financially sustainable business models for existing and/or new products
• Demonstrated ability to perform discovery, articulate, and build new features that are valued by the marketplace
• Experience assessing and delivering improvements to product management and delivery processes to improve effectiveness
• Proven experience in management and delivery of strategic projects
• Experience working in a lean/agile environment and with cross-functional remote, distributed teams.

Desirable skills / experience

• Building / growing sustainable online platforms and/or marketplaces.
• Demonstrated understanding of food systems, regenerative agriculture and/or supply chains.
• Values-driven, proactive, entrepreneurial, creative, adaptable and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated awareness and/or experience with open source and/or impact-led organisations, communities and products and how this shapes product management
• Capability in leading partnership development, and working collaboratively to develop and secure funding and investment opportunities
• Not-for-profit or social enterprise sector leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse groups of people
• Excellent stakeholder relationship development and management.
• Systems integration and managing relevant software tools is a plus
• Experience working with or defining standards

Other information

Ways of working:

• This role is a flexible and remote position and can be done from anywhere, ideally in Australia, or aligned time-zones. We’ve always worked remotely so we have the tools and practices set up to ensure we are working well as a team.
• Because of the need to collaborate with international partners, there is a need for some work to be outside of Australian work hours. We have strategies for limiting / managing impact i.e. having regular times and stacking meetings which can be discussed.

Expectations:

• Manage a flexible, remote work week through effective time management and organisation.
• Follow organisational policies and processes and take reasonable care for your health and safety in your workplace, including reaching out for help when needed.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team culture within Open Food Network and within any partners with whom you may be working.
• Drive product discovery and delivery with energy and enthusiasm.

Please submit your CV and cover letter with your relevant skills and experience that address the key selection criteria (no more than 3 pages) via "Apply Now" button. 

Please note we will be actively recruiting as applications are received, and may not wait until the application closing date - we encourage you to apply early.

Enquiries are welcome and to be directed to: Serenity Hill, CEO, [email protected] using the subject line: Product Lead - Regenerative Supply and Procurement - Remote / Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs or call 0411 878 063.

We encourage those interested in the role to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria. Open Food Network Australia  is committed to equal employment opportunities for all people regardless of age, gender, gender status, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.  We recognise the strength and value in diversity, and actively foster an inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.