At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead responsible sourcing and ESG assurance initiatives to drive sustainable practices.
- Company: Join AVK, a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and responsible business.
- Benefits: Earn up to £80,000 with flexible working, health care, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your expertise in ESG practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability, responsible sourcing, and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
AVK is seeking an experienced Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manager to take ownership of Aim 3: Powering Fairer and Responsible Business within AVK’s sustainability strategy, The Footprint We Leave. This is a senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) role responsible for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of AVK’s responsible sourcing, supply chain ESG and ESG assurance programmes. The role will play a central part in strengthening both AVK’s own ESG performance and the ESG maturity of our supplier ecosystem, while building internal capability and embedding practical sustainability processes across the business.
You will act as the organisation’s lead SME across supplier ESG, responsible sourcing and ESG assurance, helping AVK establish credible, scalable and commercially relevant approaches to supplier engagement, Scope 3 emissions management, ESG data quality and external ESG performance. This role combines strategic ownership with hands-on delivery. You will shape AVK’s approach to responsible sourcing and supplier ESG while also being comfortable rolling up your sleeves to build processes, manage data, coordinate assessments, engage suppliers and support day-to-day delivery activities. The role requires someone equally comfortable operating at strategic, operational and practical levels across suppliers, systems, governance and internal stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities:- Ownership of Aim 3: Powering Fairer and Responsible Business
- Take ownership of the delivery and continuous evolution of Aim 3 within AVK’s Sustainability Strategy. Translate strategic sustainability ambitions into practical, measurable and scalable programmes, processes and reporting structures.
- Act as AVK’s senior SME for responsible sourcing, supplier ESG and ESG assurance matters.
- Drive improvements in both AVK’s internal ESG maturity and the ESG performance of the wider supplier network.
- Responsible Sourcing & Supplier ESG
- Lead the development and implementation of AVK’s responsible sourcing and supplier ESG approach.
- Develop supplier ESG engagement, onboarding and assessment processes aligned to business risk, customer expectations and regulatory developments.
- Work collaboratively with suppliers to improve ESG maturity, transparency and performance over time.
- Own and continuously improve AVK’s supplier ESG risk management process within Sedex, including supplier risk screening, risk tracking, follow-up actions and reporting.
- Lead the development and monitoring of supplier corrective action plans where ESG gaps or risks are identified.
- Define and maintain a risk-based supplier segmentation approach, prioritising effort across strategic suppliers, critical categories, high-risk geographies and lower-maturity suppliers.
- Develop practical supplier engagement and capability-building initiatives, including the evolution of supplier-focused learning and support programmes (e.g. through development of a supplier Academy).
- Support the integration of ESG considerations into procurement, supplier management and commercial decision-making processes.
- Scope 3 Emissions & Supplier Data
- Work closely with the Environmental Sustainability Manager to lead the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of AVK’s supplier-related Scope 3 emissions baseline.
- Improve the quality, structure and governance of supplier ESG and emissions data to support target-setting, reporting and decision-making.
- Support the development of credible Scope 3 reduction pathways and supplier engagement strategies over time.
- Support the integration of ESG requirements into supplier questionnaires, contractual terms, framework agreements and supplier performance routines.
- Establish practical methodologies, controls and documentation for supplier ESG and carbon data collection and management.
- ESG Assurance, Ratings & Reporting
- Lead and coordinate AVK’s participation in external ESG ratings, assessments and assurance frameworks, including EcoVadis and other relevant schemes.
- Manage the collection, organisation and maintenance of evidence and supporting documentation required for ESG submissions, customer requests and assurance activities.
- Support ESG reporting and disclosure activities related to responsible sourcing, supply chain ESG and supplier performance.
- Monitor emerging ESG reporting expectations, customer requirements and regulatory developments relevant to supply chains and responsible business practices.
- Internal Capability & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Procurement, Legal, Commercial, Finance and Operational teams to embed ESG requirements into day-to-day business processes.
- Support customer bids, tenders and contractual ESG requirements, particularly those linked to supply chain sustainability, responsible sourcing and assurance.
- Build internal understanding, capability and consistency around supplier ESG, responsible sourcing and Scope 3 topics.
- Develop clear governance, reporting routines, guidance materials and process documentation to support long-term scalability and continuity.
- Significant experience in sustainability, responsible sourcing, ESG assurance, supply chain sustainability or related ESG disciplines.
- Strong knowledge of supplier ESG management, Scope 3 emissions, ESG data and assurance processes.
- Experience operating as a SME or lead practitioner within a sustainability or responsible business function.
- Strong understanding of ESG-related procurement expectations, supply chain due diligence and evolving UK/EU sustainability regulations such as CBAM.
- Ability to influence and engage a broad range of stakeholders, including suppliers, customers and internal leadership teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work pragmatically with incomplete or evolving datasets.
- Highly organised, delivery-focused and capable of managing multiple strategic and operational priorities simultaneously.
- A proactive and collaborative mindset, with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to balance strategic thinking and practical implementation.
- Up to £80,000 base salary
- Competitive benefits package
- Flexible / hybrid working options
- Ongoing training and career development
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Health Care Bonus Scheme
Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manger in London employer: AVK-SEG UK
AVK is an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability and responsible business practices, offering a competitive salary of up to £80,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package. The company fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, providing flexible working options and ongoing training opportunities for employee growth. With a focus on meaningful engagement in ESG initiatives, AVK empowers its employees to make a tangible impact within the organisation and the wider supplier ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manger in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like AVK-SEG UK that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like AVK-SEG UK that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like AVK-SEG UK. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like AVK-SEG UK when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manger in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with AVK-SEG UK's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manger.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research AVK-SEG UK and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that AVK-SEG UK is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manger.
How to prepare for a job interview at AVK-SEG UK
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with AVK-SEG UK.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at AVK-SEG UK.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of AVK-SEG UK. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
