Fractional Human Rights & Ethical Trading Specialist (mid-management level)

About PulseCSO: PulseCSO provides fractional sustainability leadership to SMEs and mid-market companies, enabling them to navigate complex sustainability and ESG issues with expert guidance on a flexible basis. We provide clients with seasoned professionals who can deliver impactful, pragmatic solutions without the commitment of a full-time hire. Position Overview: We have an immediate opportunity for an experienced Human Rights & Ethical Trading Specialist to support a premium skincare brand that is already B Corp certified and performing well on ESG. Working under an experienced Head of Sustainability, you will lead the development and implementation of a human rights policy and ethical trading strategy. You’ll ensure ongoing alignment with B Corp standards, help safeguard human rights practices across the supply chain, and build internal capacity for managing ethical trading long after your engagement concludes. Possible Responsibilities (to be defined with client): 1. Human Rights Policy & Strategy Development: • Create and refine a comprehensive human rights policy, ensuring it aligns with B Corp requirements and best practice frameworks. • Identify key human rights risks in the supply chain and integrate mitigation measures into the company’s broader ESG strategy. 2. Ethical Trading Implementation: • Develop and roll out an ethical trading strategy, setting clear guidelines, supplier codes of conduct, and due diligence processes. • Support the internal team in building robust supply chain oversight mechanisms, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards. 3. Internal Capacity Building & Training: • Provide training and guidance to internal teams to embed ethical sourcing and human rights considerations into day-to-day operations. • Create user-friendly resources and tools to empower staff to manage and monitor human rights and ethical trading activities going forward. 4. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting: • Collaborate closely with the Head of Sustainability and other internal stakeholders to communicate progress, challenges, and successes. • Contribute to ongoing sustainability reporting, ensuring transparency and credibility in disclosures to investors, customers, and B Corp assessors. Role Parameters: • Duration: Approximately 4-6 months (part-time/fractional engagement). • Start Date: January (with interviews before Christmas if possible). • Reporting Line: Reports to the Head of Sustainability. • Engagement: Part time. Some weeks may vary based on project milestones and deliverables. Qualifications & Experience: • Subject Matter Expertise: • Proven track record developing and implementing human rights policies and ethical trading strategies. • Experience with B Corp frameworks and standards is strongly preferred. • Sustainability/ESG Background: • Solid understanding of ESG principles, with an emphasis on social performance. • Familiarity with relevant human rights frameworks (e.g. UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ETI Base Code). • Operational Know-How: • Ability to work collaboratively within existing sustainability structures. • Practical approach to integrating human rights due diligence into supply chain and operations. • Communication & Stakeholder Skills: • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders. • Clear, concise communication style with the capacity to translate complex concepts into actionable guidance. Who We’re Looking For: We want a pragmatic, results-driven professional who can hit the ground running. You should be collaborative, adaptable, and enjoy translating big picture values into concrete, measurable outcomes. You must be able to work independently while maintaining a close working relationship with the Head of Sustainability and broader team. Why Work with PulseCSO: • Flexibility: Work on a fractional basis that suits your schedule and lifestyle. • Impact: Help a leading B Corp skincare brand strengthen its human rights and ethical trading credentials. • Network & Growth: Engage with a community of sustainability experts and broaden your experience in a supportive, dynamic environment. Equal Opportunity Statement: PulseCSO is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and aim to create inclusive environments for all. We understand the importance of flexible work arrangements and welcome candidates who require non-traditional work schedules. Your unique perspective and background are valued, and we encourage you to apply. How to Express Interest: If you have the skills, experience, and passion for advancing human rights and ethical trading in a sustainability context, please send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience to dan@pulsecso.com . Join us and help shape a more equitable and responsible supply chain for a high-performing B Corp!