Head of Sourcing

The Head of Sourcing, Ethical and Sustainability is responsible for overseeing the company’s global sourcing strategy while ensuring all practices align with high ethical and environmental standards. This role involves managing supplier relationships, driving responsible sourcing initiatives, and embedding sustainability into every aspect of the supply chain, ranging from materials selection to manufacturing processes. The position plays a key leadership role in aligning commercial objectives with the client’s corporate responsibility goals, working cross-functionally to promote transparency, traceability, and long-term positive impact for people and the planet.

The Role:

• Create, direct, put into action, and achieve a worldwide sourcing and sustainability plan that supports the company's goals and is implemented throughout our operations and the global supply network.
• Motivate and guide the Sourcing, Sustainability, and Ethical teams to fully dedicate themselves to reaching the strategic vision and producing outstanding outcomes.
• Collaborate with business leaders to introduce new ideas and integrate changes, using expertise to create advantages for the client in the industry.
• Take ownership of and build a top-tier portfolio of suppliers, making sure we achieve our aims of having the 'right supplier, right location, right initiatives' while providing excellent value.
• Guarantee that our suppliers meet the company's standards for sustainably sourced materials, ethical practices, and production methods (like automation), while establishing systems and processes that make sustainability a standard part of our operations.
• Take the lead on ethical sourcing, the prevention of modern slavery, and broader human rights issues for the entire organisation.
• Serve as the main point of contact at the group level for honest communication regarding sustainability and ethical practices, adhering to green claims guidelines.
• Be the central point of accountability for all company guidelines related to sustainability and human rights, keeping them current and compliant with UK and relevant international laws.
• Achieve cost savings by assisting the Sourcing team and international offices in effective supplier negotiations through precise cost analysis of current and potential suppliers, while ensuring all suppliers meet our standards for product quality, ethics, technical aspects, and compliance.
• Manage project execution and maintain overall program supervision, continuously improving methods to assess project impact and providing clear, accurate reports on key performance indicators for both Sourcing and Sustainability efforts.
• Regularly provide updates on all sourcing activities, including supplier performance, country diversification, product category capabilities, changes in supplier relationships, and profit margins.
• Take complete ownership of analysing worldwide demands, market trends, and anticipated needs to identify and leverage commercial opportunities.
• Produce our yearly sustainability reports according to our ESG Leadership Roadmap, encompassing our Sustainability Report, Annual Report, and broader disclosures like CDP.
• Provide clear and transparent reports to the client’s relevant governance bodies, including regular updates to the audit committee, risk framework, and the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
• Act as the clients representative and thought leader within the industry, collaborating effectively and sharing our progress through respected channels.
• Be responsible for supervising the operations of global offices in Hong Kong, Turkey, and India.

The Candidate:

• A seasoned senior leader with at least three years of relevant industry experience, proven in guiding a high-speed, dynamic, and varied team to achieve significant, quantifiable results that contribute to the company's overall success.
• A highly energetic and driven individual with an entrepreneurial mindset suited to a fast-paced setting, showing genuine understanding and appreciation for brands and maximising their value.
• A candidate possessing substantial sourcing expertise within the branded apparel sector, with a clear history of successful negotiation, conflict resolution, and accomplishments.
• An outstanding people manager capable of fostering a workplace culture characterised by high performance, motivation, and achievement.
• Politically astute, with the ability to effectively use both direct and indirect methods of influence.
• Proven experience in problem-solving and working within a global organisation with multiple international operations.
• A commercially and strategically minded individual who can also execute tasks effectively at a tactical level, combined with strong attention to detail.
• Capable of building and maintaining strong working relationships with key internal and external leaders, possessing the credibility to influence effectively.
• Exceptionally organised and able to manage a high volume of communications from numerous internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepared to travel to visit suppliers as needed, including international trips.
• Living within a commutable distance of Cheltenham or open to relocation.