At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain and sustainability initiatives, shaping policies for UK retailers.
- Company: Join the British Retail Consortium, a key player in the UK retail industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, pension contributions, and generous leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong focus on employee wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and influence government policy for retailers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in supply chain, sustainability, and policy advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is the trade association for UK retail. The industry is diverse, dynamic and includes retail brands, brand manufacturers who sell direct to consumers, and covers many innovative business models, from in-store and digital to rental, repair and re-use. Retail is the ‘everywhere economy’, a vital part of the socio‑economic fabric of the UK. It’s 5% of GDP, our largest private sector employer with 3 million direct jobs and 2.7 million more in the supply chain and through its scale and reach, helps support delivery of government policy.
THE ROLE
The BRC is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability to lead the BRC’s policy work in this priority area for the retail industry. The role will make a vital contribution to UK retailers, helping them to succeed by progressing retailers’ supply chain and sustainability priorities. The role is also externally focused: making sure retailers’ views are heard by government and helping shape new policies so they are practical, promote competition and growth, and meet business needs while supporting the UK’s goals. The role requires a strong emphasis on external impact, team leadership and strategic judgment, working closely with Policy Advisors and Policy Executives to ensure our offer delivers real-world value for members.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As BRC's Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability, you will be responsible for:
- Oversee the work of the BRC’s Sustainability Community, developing a comprehensive forward plan of activity and monitoring and overseeing its delivery.
- Shape and deliver supply chain and sustainability policies and plans that provide practical, external‑facing support and measurable value for members.
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior partners, regulators, industry bodies, and government—representing and advocating for members on supply chain and sustainability priorities.
- Develop insights from supply chain and sustainability data and external benchmarks, using findings to steer activity and demonstrate impact for members.
- Identify external risks and opportunities across sustainability and supply chains, proposing member‑led solutions and collaborations that deliver tangible outcomes.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal role holder will be:
- Proven supply chain experience with sustainability and policy knowledge, focused on converting external requirements into practical member support and value.
- Proven ability in influencing government, regulatory bodies and policymakers at senior levels to deliver regulatory/policy change.
- High credibility with members, stakeholders and internal colleagues.
- Strong people management capability, including colleague development and building effective teams.
- Skilled at analysing policy and market developments and translating them into clear, member‑facing guidance, positions, and communications.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with eligibility for annual bonus. Benefits include private health and dental insurance, pension contributions and the availability of season ticket loans.
We are an equal opportunities recruitment partner and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where employees can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Our wellbeing offerings include:
- Access to mental health professionals and subsidised private healthcare
- Dental cash plan and Medi‑cash plan
- 35 GBP per month contribution toward gym membership
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with 24/7 counselling and specialist support
- Menopause and the Workplace Programme
- 26 days of annual leave, plus a discretionary Christmas day off and volunteer days.
Family-Friendly Policies
Enhanced statutory pay for eligible colleagues, with a focus on family-friendly policies.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Diversity is embedded in everything we do — it’s natural and authentic to who we are as an organisation. We celebrate individuality, embrace inclusivity, and create a culture where everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. Here, differences aren’t just welcomed — they’re encouraged, valued, and celebrated every day.
Reasonable Adjustments for Interviews
We are committed to accessible recruitment. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for interviews, such as:
- Additional time for assessments
- Written questions in various formats
Competitive Pay
Our salaries are benchmarked against similar organisations, with a competitive pay structure and a discretionary corporate bonus scheme based on company performance.
Additional Benefits
Private Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice option, Life Assurance: Cover of 4x annual salary, Season Ticket Loan, Cycle to Work Scheme.
We believe in nurturing our team’s growth and helping you reach your potential. Here’s how we invest in your career:
- Graduate Programme: 2 years program focusing on Policy and Corporate Affairs
- Training Programmes: Access to workshops, certifications, and development resources
- Career Pathing: Career development plans and mentorship programs.
- Internal Mobility: Opportunities to explore different roles or career tracks within the company.
Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability in London employer: British Retail Consortium
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, BRC provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with industry leaders, fostering a culture of trust and impact. Located in the heart of the UK, employees benefit from a vibrant community and the chance to influence meaningful change in retail policies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability in London
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at British Retail Consortium, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain & Sustainability in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at British Retail Consortium. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research British Retail Consortium and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Retail Consortium
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at British Retail Consortium.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by British Retail Consortium
Look into any unique supply chain challenges British Retail Consortium might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
