Country Director – India
Location: New Delhi, India (with travel within India)
Start Date: Spring 2026
Salary: ₹30–35 lakhs per annum (depending on experience)
Reporting to: CEO, Pilio (UK)
Deadline for applications: 23rd January 2026
Pilio is a sustainability organisation working with global brands, supply-chain partners, and local organisations to deliver practical programmes that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and reduce environmental impact.
One of Pilio’s flagship initiatives is the ACE Cotton Village Programme, which works directly with farming communities and supply chains to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes at village level.
From 2026, Pilio will deliver the ACE Village Programme with a major UK retailer in India. This role will lead that work in-country and help build stronger, long-term engagement with industry partners in close coordination with Pilio UK.
About Pilio & the ACE Village Programme
The India Head – Pilio will lead Pilio’s work in India. The main responsibility is to ensure the successful delivery of the ACE Village Programme, working closely with delivery partners on the ground and with Pilio’s UK team.
Alongside programme delivery, the role will focus on building strong relationships across Indian supply chains and industry, helping grow Pilio’s presence and reputation in India over time.
This is a senior role combining leadership, partnership management, and hands-on oversight of programme delivery, with a strong consulting mindset.
Role Purpose
ACE Village Programme – Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the delivery of the ACE Village Programme in India, ensuring it is delivered to a high standard and trusted by brand partners.
- Work closely with local implementing partners delivering activities with farmers, producer groups, and village stakeholders.
- Oversee programme plans, timelines, and coordination, ensuring activities are aligned and delivered on time.
- Support delivery partners with guidance, problem-solving, and decision-making as challenges arise.
- Monitor progress and quality, addressing issues early and ensuring improvements are made where needed.
- Capture learning from delivery and help strengthen and improve the programme over time.
Industry Engagement & Growth in India
- Act as Pilio’s senior representative in India, building strong relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and delivery organisations.
- Work closely with Pilio UK to deepen engagement with existing brand partners and support new opportunities in India.
- Take part in discussions with brands and supply-chain partners, drawing on consulting experience to structure conversations, frame value, and support decision-making.
- Share insights from India with the UK team to help shape Pilio’s future work in the country.
Reporting, Learning & Communication
- Ensure clear, consistent information is collected from delivery partners to track progress and results.
- Oversee preparation of reports, presentations, and updates for brand partners and the Pilio leadership team, in a clear and professional consulting style.
- Translate programme activity and learning into clear, accessible insights for external partners.
Teamwork & Organisation Building
- Help establish and strengthen Pilio’s way of working in India, including processes, partners, and local systems.
- Work closely with colleagues in the UK and Europe as a trusted senior counterpart.
- Maintain good records and clear oversight of programmes and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Essential
- 8–10+ years’ experience leading or managing programmes in sustainability, development, or related fields in India.
- Prior experience in a consulting or advisory role, working with clients, senior stakeholders, or international organisations.
- Must be able to handle numbers and presentations
- Strong ability to manage multiple partners, priorities, and expectations.
- Proven leadership, problem-solving, and delivery skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable working with international teams and brand partners.
- Willingness to travel within India.
Desirable
- Experience working with international brands, retailers, or supply chains.
- Background in agriculture, textiles, or rural development.
- Experience combining programme delivery with client-facing consulting work.
Skills & Experience
- Lead a flagship programme working directly with farming communities in India.
- Play a key role in building Pilio’s long-term presence and partnerships in India.
- Work closely with international brands using a consulting-led, solutions-oriented approach.
- Join a small, mission-driven global team shaping practical, real-world programmes.
Why Join Pilio
- This role is open to candidates already based in India and eligible to work in India.
- Please send a CV and short cover letter to ella@piliogroup.com.
- Applications should ideally be received by 23 January 2026.
- We expect to begin interviews in India during the week commencing 26th January 2026.