Meet The Team

All

Jamie Burrows | Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Health Economist with 10 years of experience prior to Vertical Future. Specialised in life sciences, including roles at EY, Deloitte, and the Department of Health.

Educated to PhD level and attended the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs at the start of his career.

Read More Read Less

Marie Burrows | Chief Impact Officer & Co-Founder

Formerly worked in health research in the NHS and in associated research units. Passionate about people and psychology.

Educated to Masters level in Neuropsychology, Human Resources, and Service Management. Originally from Paris, France.

Read More Read Less

Darren James | Chief Project Officer

35 years of experience in engineering both as a contractor and employee, working at companies including Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens. Passionate about technology & engineering.

Sebastien Chenhalls-Walker | Chief Operating Officer

Formerly worked at S&P & MARKIT, working on complex systems architecture and platform construction. Educated to Masters level in Energy, Trade, and Finance.

Dr. Jennifer Bromley | Chief Scientific Officer

Former Head of Gene Discovery & Computational Biology at British American Tobacco. Obtained her PhD from Cambridge University. Has also worked internationally and cross-sector, including in biofuels.

Adam Proctor | Chief Financial Officer

International banker with over 20 years of experience, most recently at Citigroup, heading up its wealth management division for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Currently (part-time) Managing Director of prominent family office, Seek Ventures.

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Dr. Marco Ferroni | Chairman

Marco Ferroni has wide-ranging experience accumulated during a career in corporate philanthropy, government, and multilateral organisations

In addition to having served as Chair of the Board of the CGIAR System Organization, he is on the board of the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan and recently completed terms as an Adjunct Professor in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at McGill University.

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Ines Ures | Board Member

Ines is the former Global CMO at Deliveroo and CCO at Treatwell. A successful entrepreneur, Ines recently co-founded a 100 million Euro venture capital fund.

Fiona Nicolson | Board Member

Senior Partner at Keystone Law and leading authority in IP and commercial law. Former President of the International Licensing Executive.

Stephen Page | Board Member

CEO of SFC Capital, a leading EIS fund and nominee structure that invested in VF.

Armand Maulia Harahap | Legal Associate

MSc in Law and Finance at Queen Mary University of London. Five years of law practice at Baker McKenzie Indonesia, primarily on corporate and capital market matters spanning various industries, including real estate and infrastructure.

Aurel Noka | Financial Controller

Trained Chartered Accountant and member of the ICAEW with over 10 years of experience working with entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses operating in sectors ranging from engineering and construction, to software and hospitality.

Aleks Anderca | Senior Engineer

Motivated manager with more than 10 years experience in mass production and manufacturing, specialised in metals.

Dr. Paul Gaynor | Electro-mechanical Engineer

PhD engineer, experienced in technology-based R&D across the automotive, aeronautic and metrology sectors.

Ross McKean | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Chartered engineer with 13 years in the nuclear industry, specialising in electrical control systems.

Dan Mahon | Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Experience in project management, product R&D, consultation, design and build of bespoke hydroponic systems and turnkey solutions.

Michael Lee | Technician

Qualified Automotive Technician with 41 years of experience in road rail plant and mechanical engineering.

Zak Shaikh | Engineer

Highly motivated engineer with experience in electrical, mechanical, fibre optics, pneumatics and hydraulics.

Arturs Daudzins | Machine Welder Fabricator

Over 15 years of experience as a welder, specialising in manufacturing and fabricating metals.

Miga Isacov | Technician

Over 15 years of experience in construction work, mechanical fittings and fixtures.

Richard Moyes | Charge Hand Technician

Extensive experience in automotive, rail, construction, site surveying and site management, with supporting qualifications.

Tracey Bennett | Logistics Manager

18 years of management experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Commercial Procurement and Service Operations.

Patrycja Prokop | Logistics Manager

12 years of management experience working in various Purchasing and Supply Chain related roles.

Kevin Voight | Technician

Extensive experience with maintenance in the food industry working with companies such Tesco.

Steven Marshall | Technician

Highly motivated individual with vast experience in all areas of construction. Including, structural, groundworks, plumbing and electrics.

Steven has extensive knowledge in automotive mechanics and modifications. Steve comes from a background in Production Management, and therefore is experienced in bringing projects into budget and timescales.

Read More Read Less

Jon Murton | Technician

20 years of experience within the construction trade with vast knowledge in tape and joining, dry lining, and building aesthetics.

Gabor Kun | Technician

Machine Press Operator with many years of experience.

Keely Laing | Materials and Stores Manager

Keely comes to Vertical future with cross discipline management in the lighting and sales industry.

Matthew Montavon | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Engineer with background in the aerospace sector. Also formerly interned at NASA and spent time in the Peace Corps.

Nick Coupland | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Engineer with 16 years of experience in mechanical and electrical installations. Specialising in electrical distribution systems and project management.

Nigel Powell | CAD/CAM Works Manager

Experienced CAD/CAM Works Manager.

Brett Spence | CAD Designer

Over 25 years of experience working in the mining and steel construction sectors, completed numerous turnkey projects throughout Sub-Saharan Africa as well as in Europe.

Numan Hussain | Technical Author and Programme Regulator

Experienced Technical Author and Programme Regulator with a Mechanical Engineering background.

Chloe Fields | Manufacturing and Office Facilities Caretaker

Oversees the caretaking of the manufacturing and office facilities.

Dr. Jennifer Bromley | Chief Research Officer

Former Head of Gene Discovery & Computational Biology at British American Tobacco. Obtained her PhD from Cambridge University. Has also worked internationally and cross-sector, including in biofuels.

Dr. Jim Stevens | Senior Plant Scientist (LED Lighting)

Former Researcher and Teaching Fellow at the University of Essex. Significant research undertaken in LED lighting technologies. Prior to becoming involved in plant sciences, Jim also had a successful career in banking, working in the City of London.

Dr. Katie Wilkins | Senior Plant Scientist (Imaging)

Specialised in hyperspectral imaging. Close to a decade of experience post obtaining her PhD. Also a Broodbank Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

Katia Zacharaki | Senior Plant Scientist (Berries)

Specialised in berries. Significant practical and academic experience, having worked at other vertical farms and as a lecturer prior to joining VF. Also studying for her PhD at Harper Adams University and an active member of the UKUAT team.

Tom Bennett | Plant Scientist

University of Cambridge graduate with a passion for plant sciences and previous experience working in microbiology and lab-like environments.

Peter Ulijaszek | Plant Scientist

Specialised in seed treatment having worked at Germains seed technology, as well as a Research Assistant at Royal Holloway University.

Maria Teresa Roa | Junior Plant Scientist

Professional Agricultural Engineer, with a Masters in Postharvest Technology, and over 10 years of experience in biological research and the agricultural industry.

Dr. Carlos Flores Ortiz | Senior Plant Scientist

Over 12 years of experience in both fundamental research and agricultural companies. Masters in Plant Sciences at the University of Chile and a PhD in Biosciences at the University of Birmingham.

Felipe Becerra Sánchez | Junior Plant Scientist

Masters in Agricultural sciences between the University of Barcelona and the University of Southampton, where he learned about watercress breeding. Followed by a PhD in sweetcorn Postharvest quality.

Xuemeng Lai | Vertical Farming Plant Scientist (KTP Associate)

Working with Vertical Future in partnership with The University of Essex to undertake a transformational Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project by delivering a systematic survey of the interaction between light spectra and plant productivity.

MSc in Plant Science, specialising in Greenhouse Horticulture

Read More Read Less

Deji Abodunrin | Software Engineer

Highly driven full-stack developer with background in computational-biosciences. Proficient in working in multiple coding languages.

Buket Demir | Software Engineer

Highly experienced full-stack developer, who previously worked in financial services, education, and other sectors.

Sai Kee Wong | Embedded Software Engineer

Highly experienced, cross-discipline engineer with over 35 years of experience, including at large corporates.

David Butler | Software Engineer

Cambridge University graduate with a Masters in Engineering and 20 years experience as a full-stack/mobile developer. Former CTO at a logistics start-up.

Gordon Trinder | Embedded Systems Engineer

Engineer with a background in electronics and software across academic, industrial and creative projects.

Hands-on experience developing prototypes at multiple start-ups. Passionate about sustainable innovation in food systems.

Read More Read Less

Benjamin McKitterick | Embedded Systems Engineer

Master's-educated embedded engineer with experience in consumer electronics, full-stack development and a passion for technology, including machine learning, robotics, embedded systems, and IoT.

Kavyashree Vijayakumar | Quality Assurance Tester

5 years of experience in software testing and has recently completed MS in Data Science at the University of East London. Experienced IT professional with proven expertise in ensuring software reliability and performance by conducting quality assurance tests.

Andrew McHardy | R&D Facility and Operations Manager

Graduated in Agricultural Management at the Royal Agricultural University, and, following his degree, he joined the G'S FRESH LIMITED graduate program.

Alice Ironside | Executive Assistant

Sussex University French and Drama Graduate, 10 years of experience across multiple sectors, including television and theatre production, food retail, public relations, and hospitality.

Constance Tong | HR Manager

Experienced Human Resources professional with 15 years’ experience of working and volunteering across the third sector.

Maryam Iqbal | Human Resources Assistant

CIPD qualified professional in Human Resources. Worked across various industries helping to provide organisational structure and meeting business needs by effectively managing the employee life cycle.

Nilufar Moore | Technical Product Manager

Vertical Future's in-house food scientist with over 20 years of experience working with a wide range of product categories, driving the food technical agenda, product safety, and quality.

Erin Livesey-Becks | Senior Business Development Manager

Two years experience at leading American hydroponic greenhouse grower, and previously consultant for an analytics software company, working with Fortune 500 companies to create data-driven strategic decisions.

Holds a BA in Environmental Studies with Honors from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Read More Read Less

Leadership

Jamie Burrows | Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Health Economist with 10 years of experience prior to Vertical Future. Specialised in life sciences, including roles at EY, Deloitte, and the Department of Health.

Educated to PhD level and attended the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs at the start of his career.

Read More Read Less

Marie Burrows | Chief Impact Officer & Co-Founder

Formerly worked in health research in the NHS and in associated research units. Passionate about people and psychology.

Educated to Masters level in Neuropsychology, Human Resources, and Service Management. Originally from Paris, France.

Read More Read Less

Darren James | Chief Project Officer

35 years of experience in engineering both as a contractor and employee, working at companies including Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens. Passionate about technology & engineering.

Sebastien Chenhalls-Walker | Chief Operating Officer

Formerly worked at S&P & MARKIT, working on complex systems architecture and platform construction. Educated to Masters level in Energy, Trade, and Finance.

Dr. Jennifer Bromley | Chief Scientific Officer

Former Head of Gene Discovery & Computational Biology at British American Tobacco. Obtained her PhD from Cambridge University. Has also worked internationally and cross-sector, including in biofuels.

Adam Proctor | Chief Financial Officer

International banker with over 20 years of experience, most recently at Citigroup, heading up its wealth management division for Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Currently (part-time) Managing Director of prominent family office, Seek Ventures.

Read More Read Less

Board

Dr. Marco Ferroni | Chairman

Marco Ferroni has wide-ranging experience accumulated during a career in corporate philanthropy, government, and multilateral organisations

In addition to having served as Chair of the Board of the CGIAR System Organization, he is on the board of the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan and recently completed terms as an Adjunct Professor in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at McGill University.

Read More Read Less

Ines Ures | Board Member

Ines is the former Global CMO at Deliveroo and CCO at Treatwell. A successful entrepreneur, Ines recently co-founded a 100 million Euro venture capital fund.

Fiona Nicolson | Board Member

Senior Partner at Keystone Law and leading authority in IP and commercial law. Former President of the International Licensing Executive.

Stephen Page | Board Member

CEO of SFC Capital, a leading EIS fund and nominee structure that invested in VF.

Engineering

Darren James | Chief Project Officer

35 years of experience in engineering both as a contractor and employee, working at companies including Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens. Passionate about technology & engineering.

Aleks Anderca | Senior Engineer

Motivated manager with more than 10 years experience in mass production and manufacturing, specialised in metals.

Dr. Paul Gaynor | Electro-mechanical Engineer

PhD engineer, experienced in technology-based R&D across the automotive, aeronautic and metrology sectors.

Ross McKean | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Chartered engineer with 13 years in the nuclear industry, specialising in electrical control systems.

Dan Mahon | Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Experience in project management, product R&D, consultation, design and build of bespoke hydroponic systems and turnkey solutions.

Michael Lee | Technician

Qualified Automotive Technician with 41 years of experience in road rail plant and mechanical engineering.

Zak Shaikh | Engineer

Highly motivated engineer with experience in electrical, mechanical, fibre optics, pneumatics and hydraulics.

Arturs Daudzins | Machine Welder Fabricator

Over 15 years of experience as a welder, specialising in manufacturing and fabricating metals.

Miga Isacov | Technician

Over 15 years of experience in construction work, mechanical fittings and fixtures.

Richard Moyes | Charge Hand Technician

Extensive experience in automotive, rail, construction, site surveying and site management, with supporting qualifications.

Tracey Bennett | Logistics Manager

18 years of management experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Commercial Procurement and Service Operations.

Patrycja Prokop | Logistics Manager

12 years of management experience working in various Purchasing and Supply Chain related roles.

Kevin Voight | Technician

Extensive experience with maintenance in the food industry working with companies such Tesco.

Steven Marshall | Technician

Highly motivated individual with vast experience in all areas of construction. Including, structural, groundworks, plumbing and electrics.

Steven has extensive knowledge in automotive mechanics and modifications. Steve comes from a background in Production Management, and therefore is experienced in bringing projects into budget and timescales.

Read More Read Less

Jon Murton | Technician

20 years of experience within the construction trade with vast knowledge in tape and joining, dry lining, and building aesthetics.

Gabor Kun | Technician

Machine Press Operator with many years of experience.

Keely Laing | Materials and Stores Manager

Keely comes to Vertical future with cross discipline management in the lighting and sales industry.

Matthew Montavon | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Engineer with background in the aerospace sector. Also formerly interned at NASA and spent time in the Peace Corps.

Nick Coupland | Electro-mechanical Engineer

Engineer with 16 years of experience in mechanical and electrical installations. Specialising in electrical distribution systems and project management.

Nigel Powell | CAD/CAM Works Manager

Experienced CAD/CAM Works Manager.

Brett Spence | CAD Designer

Over 25 years of experience working in the mining and steel construction sectors, completed numerous turnkey projects throughout Sub-Saharan Africa as well as in Europe.

Numan Hussain | Technical Author and Programme Regulator

Experienced Technical Author and Programme Regulator with a Mechanical Engineering background.

Chloe Fields | Manufacturing and Office Facilities Caretaker

Oversees the caretaking of the manufacturing and office facilities.

Plant R&D

Dr. Jennifer Bromley | Chief Research Officer

Former Head of Gene Discovery & Computational Biology at British American Tobacco. Obtained her PhD from Cambridge University. Has also worked internationally and cross-sector, including in biofuels.

Dr. Jim Stevens | Senior Plant Scientist (LED Lighting)

Former Researcher and Teaching Fellow at the University of Essex. Significant research undertaken in LED lighting technologies. Prior to becoming involved in plant sciences, Jim also had a successful career in banking, working in the City of London.

Dr. Katie Wilkins | Senior Plant Scientist (Imaging)

Specialised in hyperspectral imaging. Close to a decade of experience post obtaining her PhD. Also a Broodbank Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

Katia Zacharaki | Senior Plant Scientist (Berries)

Specialised in berries. Significant practical and academic experience, having worked at other vertical farms and as a lecturer prior to joining VF. Also studying for her PhD at Harper Adams University and an active member of the UKUAT team.

Tom Bennett | Plant Scientist

University of Cambridge graduate with a passion for plant sciences and previous experience working in microbiology and lab-like environments.

Peter Ulijaszek | Plant Scientist

Specialised in seed treatment having worked at Germains seed technology, as well as a Research Assistant at Royal Holloway University.

Maria Teresa Roa | Junior Plant Scientist

Professional Agricultural Engineer, with a Masters in Postharvest Technology, and over 10 years of experience in biological research and the agricultural industry.

Dr. Carlos Flores Ortiz | Senior Plant Scientist

Over 12 years of experience in both fundamental research and agricultural companies. Masters in Plant Sciences at the University of Chile and a PhD in Biosciences at the University of Birmingham.

Felipe Becerra Sánchez | Junior Plant Scientist

Masters in Agricultural sciences between the University of Barcelona and the University of Southampton, where he learned about watercress breeding. Followed by a PhD in sweetcorn Postharvest quality.

Xuemeng Lai | Vertical Farming Plant Scientist (KTP Associate)

Working with Vertical Future in partnership with The University of Essex to undertake a transformational Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project by delivering a systematic survey of the interaction between light spectra and plant productivity.

MSc in Plant Science, specialising in Greenhouse Horticulture

Read More Read Less

Software Engineering

Deji Abodunrin | Software Engineer

Highly driven full-stack developer with background in computational-biosciences. Proficient in working in multiple coding languages.

Buket Demir | Software Engineer

Highly experienced full-stack developer, who previously worked in financial services, education, and other sectors.

Sai Kee Wong | Embedded Software Engineer

Highly experienced, cross-discipline engineer with over 35 years of experience, including at large corporates.

David Butler | Software Engineer

Cambridge University graduate with a Masters in Engineering and 20 years experience as a full-stack/mobile developer. Former CTO at a logistics start-up.

Gordon Trinder | Embedded Systems Engineer

Engineer with a background in electronics and software across academic, industrial and creative projects.

Hands-on experience developing prototypes at multiple start-ups. Passionate about sustainable innovation in food systems.

Read More Read Less

Benjamin McKitterick | Embedded Systems Engineer

Master's-educated embedded engineer with experience in consumer electronics, full-stack development and a passion for technology, including machine learning, robotics, embedded systems, and IoT.

Kavyashree Vijayakumar | Quality Assurance Tester

5 years of experience in software testing and has recently completed MS in Data Science at the University of East London. Experienced IT professional with proven expertise in ensuring software reliability and performance by conducting quality assurance tests.

Operations

Andrew McHardy | R&D Facility and Operations Manager

Graduated in Agricultural Management at the Royal Agricultural University, and, following his degree, he joined the G'S FRESH LIMITED graduate program.

Alice Ironside | Executive Assistant

Sussex University French and Drama Graduate, 10 years of experience across multiple sectors, including television and theatre production, food retail, public relations, and hospitality.

Constance Tong | HR Manager

Experienced Human Resources professional with 15 years’ experience of working and volunteering across the third sector.

Maryam Iqbal | Human Resources Assistant

CIPD qualified professional in Human Resources. Worked across various industries helping to provide organisational structure and meeting business needs by effectively managing the employee life cycle.

Nilufar Moore | Technical Product Manager

Vertical Future's in-house food scientist with over 20 years of experience working with a wide range of product categories, driving the food technical agenda, product safety, and quality.

Commercial

Erin Livesey-Becks | Senior Business Development Manager

Two years experience at leading American hydroponic greenhouse grower, and previously consultant for an analytics software company, working with Fortune 500 companies to create data-driven strategic decisions.

Holds a BA in Environmental Studies with Honors from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Read More Read Less

We’re on the lookout for talented individuals that have a passion for all things vertical farming. Take a look at our current vacancies below & get in touch.

Company Benefits

Excellent Pay

We offer excellent pay for outstanding talent, irrespective of seniority or company function.

Share Options

Every Vertical Future team member owns a part of the company so can therefore benefit as we grow.

Mentoring

Mentoring from senior team members and board members is made available to every member of the VF team

Away Days

We all need a break from time-to-time, and away days also provide a great opportunity for team bonding

Flexible Working

In today's world, it's important to allow flexible working. It can also lead to better mental health, less expenditure, and greater efficiency

+ Much More

As we grow, we will also start looking at gym memberships and other ways to reward our team members... and we're open to ideas!

Careers

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager

The ideal candidate will support the full scope of Human Resources responsibilities and partner with the organisation on strategic initiatives.

They will maintain and enhance the organisation’s human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating human resources policies, programs, and practices.

Responsibilities

  • Manage our online HR platform
  • Recruit and Onboard new hires
  • Conduct performance management; and
  • Provide feedback Manage Payroll and benefits for employees

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
  • 5+ years’ experience in Human Resources
  • Strong recruiting and demonstrated ability to improve talent acquisition strategies
  • Demonstrated expertise training managers and employees
  • Strong organizational, critical thinking and communications skills
  • Attention to detail and good judgement

Remuneration & Benefits

  • £40,000 – £45,000
  • Share options after 1 year of work
  • Other fun benefits

Apply Via Linkedin

Accounts Payable Assistant

Accounts Payable Assistant

The Candidate

Vertical Future are seeking to hire an Accounts Payable Assistant to support and work within the Finance Team, working at our Monument Office, with some home working.

Main Responsibilities

  • Processing regular and urgent payment requests, including posting of invoices on xero.
  • Processing supplier invoices including matching with PO’s (where relevant).
  • Processing payments on Bank portal as and when directed.
  • Processing employee expenses and ensuring timely approval and payments of expenses to employees.
  • Invoicing customers on Xero when requested and ensuring approvals as well as emailing out customer invoices once approved.
  • Reconciling main business Account
  • Reconciling Credit Card transactions on various cards ensuring colleagues from other departments provide appropriate vat receipts for all their transactions.
  • Assisting the Finance Manager with month end, year end and any other ad hoc projects that arise.
  • Assisting the Finance Manager with project accounting in the quarterly submission of costing such as material, labour and capital costs reports to Innovate UK.
  • Assisting the Finance Manager in quarterly vat return reconciliations.
  • Assisting the Finance Manager in prepayment, accruals, other calculations and any ad hoc work that may be required.
  • Liaising with suppliers, landlords and others when reconciling accounts.
  • Dealing with suppliers and other queries on payments in a timely and efficient manner.

Requirements

  • A minimum of 2 years experience in similar roles in Finance.
  • Studying towards AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications.
  • Experience in Xero accounting software and excel.
  • Ability to take initiative.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work efficiently and in a time sensitive manner where urgent payment requests for example are made.
  • Attention to detail and ability to manage various expectations from colleagues and others within the business as well as from external stakeholders sometimes at a very short notice.

Remuneration

  • £23,000 – £28,000
  • Share options after 1 year of work
  • 25 days of leave (excluding bank holidays) with 5 day annual carryover
  • Other fun benefits!

Apply via Linkedin

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Get In Touch

For further information, get in touch using our contact form.

HQ

Vertical Future
3 MORE London Riverside
London
SE1 2RE

Manufacturing

Units 4 & 5
Raynham Road
Bishop’s Stortford
CM23 5PD

R&D Centre

3 Creekside,
London,
SE8 4SA

Growing Centre 1

3 Creekside,
London,
SE8 4SA







    *Mandatory Fields