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.
- Benefits: Earn up to £80,000 with flexible working and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on responsible business practices and supplier engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability and strong knowledge of ESG processes required.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Manager employer: Avk-Seg
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. With flexible working options and a strong focus on ongoing training and career development, employees thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Joining AVK means being at the forefront of impactful ESG initiatives while working alongside a dedicated team committed to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AVK's sustainability strategy and their approach to responsible sourcing. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around ESG assurance and supplier engagement. Keep it concise but impactful—make them remember you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Responsible Sourcing & ESG Assurance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in responsible sourcing and ESG assurance. We want to see how your skills align with our sustainability strategy, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Expertise:As a senior SME role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your deep knowledge in supplier ESG management and Scope 3 emissions. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your impact and how you’ve driven improvements in ESG performance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avk-Seg
✨Know Your ESG Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in ESG and responsible sourcing. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with AVK's sustainability strategy, especially around Scope 3 emissions and supplier engagement.
✨Showcase Your Strategic and Hands-On Skills
This role requires a mix of strategic thinking and practical implementation. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully balanced both aspects, like developing processes while also engaging directly with suppliers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've influenced and engaged various stakeholders in your previous roles. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, especially in cross-functional teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges related to ESG assurance or supplier management. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
