Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager

Surrey | Hybrid Working

Climate17 is delighted to be partnering with a leading, independently owned food manufacturing and sourcing business to appoint a Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sustainability professional to join a well-established organisation with an international supply chain, supplying many of the UK's leading retailers and foodservice customers.

You'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the company's sustainability strategy, ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical supply chains and regulatory compliance across a diverse global supplier network.

The Role

This is a varied, strategic and operational role where you'll work closely with suppliers, customers, industry bodies and internal stakeholders to continually improve sustainability performance across the business.

You'll lead responsible sourcing initiatives, oversee ESG reporting, drive human rights due diligence, develop supplier engagement programmes and help ensure the business remains at the forefront of ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the company's responsible sourcing and sustainability strategy across international supply chains.
• Lead ethical sourcing programmes, supplier engagement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage human rights due diligence, modern slavery compliance and worker welfare assessments.
• Monitor and report sustainability KPIs and ESG performance to customers and senior leadership.
• Support carbon reduction initiatives and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
• Drive supplier sustainability assessments, risk management and corrective action programmes.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and external stakeholders, responding to sustainability and ESG enquiries.
• Monitor emerging sustainability legislation and advise the business on future compliance requirements.
• Represent the business at relevant industry forums, conferences and working groups.
• Lead and develop a Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Executive.

About You

We're keen to speak with candidates who have:

·         Experience managing sustainability, ESG or ethical sourcing programmes within food manufacturing, FMCG, retail or complex international supply chains.

·         A degree (or equivalent experience) in sustainability, environmental science, food supply chains or a related discipline.

·         Strong knowledge of responsible sourcing, ethical trade and supply chain due diligence.

·         Experience working with UK retailers and their sustainability requirements.

·         Excellent stakeholder management and supplier engagement skills.

·         Strong analytical ability with experience producing sustainability reports and presentations.

·         Experience leading projects and driving continuous improvement across supply chains.

Desirable experience includes:

·         Seafood or agricultural supply chains.

·         Modern slavery and human rights due diligence.

·         Carbon accounting and emissions reporting.

·         Supplier ethical audit programmes (e.g. Sedex / SMETA).

·         Traceability systems and responsible sourcing certifications.

·         Packaging sustainability and evolving producer responsibility legislation.

·         Previous people management experience.

What's on Offer?

·         Competitive salary

·         Company pension.

·         Healthcare and life assurance.

·         Discretionary annual bonus.

·         25 days annual leave, increasing with service.

·         The opportunity to shape sustainability strategy within a growing international business.

·         A collaborative environment with genuine opportunities for professional development.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Katie at Climate17.

Climate17 is a purpose-led international recruitment consultancy specialising in Renewable Energy and Sustainability. We partner with organisations committed to building more sustainable businesses by connecting them with exceptional talent.