Responsible Business Lead
Responsible Business Lead

Responsible Business Lead

Full-Time 39000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead responsible business practices in global tea supply chains and ensure sustainability.
  • Company: Join a charity dedicated to creating a fairer, sustainable tea industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and impactful corporate perks.
  • Why this job: Shape ethical conduct in the private sector and influence real change.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in corporate sustainability; degree in sustainability or related field preferred.
  • Other info: Work with diverse stakeholders and make a difference in tea-producing communities.

The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.

Champion responsible business practices across global tea supply chains. Working for a charity on a mission to create a tea industry that’s fairer, more sustainable, and truly responsible. We’re looking for a Responsible Business Lead who will work at the intersection of supply chains, policy, and impact, ensuring members’ business practices actively support human rights and environmental sustainability.

Location: E2, near Bethnal Green (London). Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience + company benefits

Closing date: 15th of June

About the role: As Responsible Business Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) across members’ operations. You’ll provide expert advice, coordinate responsible business initiatives, and work with internal teams to ensure supply chain risks are identified and addressed. This is a unique opportunity to shape ethical conduct in the private sector and influence change from boardroom to tea field. You’ll also lead engagement with the Global Tea Coalition, manage stakeholder relationships, and design learning and communications content that helps members understand and act on sustainability issues.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Advise members on responsible business practices and HREDD implementation
  • Support design and integration of responsible business elements into global programmes
  • Develop guidance and assess member practices against updated membership criteria
  • Produce briefings, toolkits, and peer learning events on responsible sourcing and due diligence
  • Lead and coordinate the Global Tea Coalition (GTC), supporting strategic planning and member engagement
  • Monitor sector developments and certification standards, advising on alignment with values
  • Represent the charity at industry events and build partnerships to enhance impact and reach

About you:

  • At least 5 years’ experience in corporate sustainability, ideally within agricultural supply chains
  • Strong understanding of human rights, environmental risks, and the global tea sector
  • Familiar with HREDD, UNGPs, OECD guidelines, and certification frameworks
  • Experience working with business leaders to promote responsible sourcing and supply chain accountability
  • Skilled in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and securing buy-in for practical solutions
  • Clear and confident communicator, able to translate complex topics for diverse audiences
  • Capable of leading research, developing proposals, and managing collaborative initiatives
  • Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing multiple priorities independently
  • Undergraduate degree required, postgraduate qualification preferred, ideally in sustainability, international development, or a related field

About the organisation: Founded in 1997, this not-for-profit membership organisation with 38 diverse members, collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programs in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities. The projects address critical issues in the tea supply chain, including poverty, gender-based violence, human rights violations, deforestation, and inadequate access to services. By partnering with corporate members, funders, and local implementers, they deliver tailored interventions and drive responsible business practices. Leveraging their unique position, they bring together the right stakeholders to tackle key challenges with actionable solutions.

You may also have experience in roles such as: Sustainability Lead, Ethical Sourcing Manager, Human Rights Advisor, ESG Consultant, Social Impact Lead, CSR Manager, HREDD Specialist, or Sustainable Supply Chain Manager.

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Contact Detail:

NFP People Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Responsible Business Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the tea supply chain. Understanding the specific issues related to human rights and environmental sustainability in this sector will help you engage more effectively during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the sustainability and tea industries. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can provide insights and possibly lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with HREDD and how you've successfully implemented responsible business practices in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your impact and expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the charity's current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to suggest ideas on how you could contribute to their mission during the interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Business Lead

Corporate Sustainability Expertise
Human Rights Knowledge
Environmental Risk Assessment
Understanding of HREDD
Familiarity with UNGPs and OECD Guidelines
Certification Frameworks Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Facilitation Skills
Communication Skills
Research and Proposal Development
Project Management
Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities
Strategic Planning
Experience in Agricultural Supply Chains

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Responsible Business Lead position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly around human rights and environmental sustainability.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in corporate sustainability and supply chain management. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for responsible business practices. Mention how your values align with the charity's mission and provide examples of your previous work in similar areas.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience with stakeholder engagement and your ability to communicate complex topics clearly. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented responsible sourcing or sustainability initiatives in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People

✨Understand the Mission

Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the charity's mission to create a fairer and more sustainable tea industry. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how they impact farmers and communities. This will show your genuine interest in the role and alignment with their values.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Highlight your experience in corporate sustainability, especially within agricultural supply chains. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented responsible business practices or engaged stakeholders in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), UNGPs, and OECD guidelines. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how they apply to the tea sector. This will showcase your expertise and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.

✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios

Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including members of the Global Tea Coalition. Think of examples where you've successfully secured buy-in for initiatives or facilitated discussions. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to lead collaborative efforts.

Responsible Business Lead
NFP People
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