Application Guide

How to Apply for Impact & Sustainability Lead (12 month maternity cover)

at Notpla

🏢 About Notpla

Notpla is a pioneering startup creating biodegradable packaging from seaweed and plants, aiming to replace single-use plastics. Their innovative materials, like Ooho and Notpla Rigid, naturally disappear in weeks, making them a leader in circular economy solutions. Working here means contributing to tangible environmental impact at a high-growth, mission-driven company.

About This Role

This 12-month maternity cover role is central to Notpla's mission, requiring you to quantify and communicate the environmental benefits of their products. You'll manage lifecycle assessments, lead policy advocacy in the UK/EU, and translate complex data into compelling stories for clients and stakeholders. It's a high-impact position bridging science, regulation, and business.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your morning might involve analyzing LCA data from a supplier, then joining a call with Defra officials on EPR reforms. Afternoon could include a workshop with the sales team to prepare impact evidence for a client pitch, followed by drafting content for the next Impact Report. You'd also monitor policy updates and coordinate with the Natural Polymers Group on a joint response.

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🎯 Who Notpla Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years in a sustainability role within packaging or food service, with hands-on experience in LCA, carbon accounting, and impact reporting.
  • Understands UK/EU packaging regulations (EPR, PPWR, SUP Directive) and has engaged in policy consultations or advocacy.
  • Thrives in a startup environment, comfortable with ambiguity, and able to build processes from scratch.
  • Can communicate complex environmental data clearly to non-technical audiences, including marketing and sales teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Notpla

1

Highlight specific experience with LCA software (e.g., SimaPro, GaBi) and GHG protocol, especially for bio-based materials.

2

Show evidence of policy work: name specific consultations you've contributed to (e.g., Defra, EU Commission) and outcomes.

3

Tailor your CV to emphasize startup agility: mention times you've worn multiple hats or built new processes.

4

Include a portfolio or examples of impact reports or sustainability content you've created.

5

Mention any familiarity with natural polymers, seaweed, or biomaterials, even if tangential.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for circular economy and eliminating plastic waste, specifically through innovative materials.', 'Concrete examples of managing LCA portfolios and translating them into business or policy recommendations.', 'Your experience navigating UK/EU packaging regulations and engaging with policymakers.', "How you've used sustainability data to support sales or marketing in a previous role."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Notpla's latest Impact Report and annual sustainability disclosures to understand their current metrics and narrative.
  • → Familiarize yourself with their product range (Ooho, Notpla Rigid, coatings) and their end-of-life claims.
  • → Review the Natural Polymers Group and their position papers to understand the policy landscape Notpla engages in.
  • → Study the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) and SUP Directive details relevant to bio-based packaging.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would build an LCA for a new Notpla product, from data collection to reporting.
2 How would you explain the environmental benefits of seaweed packaging to a skeptical client?
3 Describe a time you influenced a policy change or responded to a consultation. What was your approach?
4 How do you stay updated on evolving regulations like PPWR or EPR, and how would you communicate changes to the team?
5 Notpla is a startup with limited resources. How would you prioritize competing demands from policy, sales, and R&D?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter: explicitly connect your experience to Notpla's products and mission.
  • Avoid overpromising on policy experience if you lack direct engagement; instead, emphasize research and analysis skills.
  • Don't ignore the startup context: failing to mention adaptability or resourcefulness can make you seem rigid.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Notpla!

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