At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and ethical sourcing strategies in a global food supply chain.
- Company: Join a leading, independently owned food manufacturing business committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, pension, and 25 days annual leave plus bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainability in a growing international company.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability or ethical sourcing within food manufacturing or retail.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Climate17 is delighted to be partnering with a leading, independently owned food manufacturing and sourcing business to appoint a Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sustainability professional to join a well-established organisation with an international supply chain, supplying many of the UK's leading retailers and foodservice customers.
You'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the company's sustainability strategy, ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical supply chains and regulatory compliance across a diverse global supplier network.
The Role
This is a varied, strategic and operational role where you'll work closely with suppliers, customers, industry bodies and internal stakeholders to continually improve sustainability performance across the business.
You'll lead responsible sourcing initiatives, oversee ESG reporting, drive human rights due diligence, develop supplier engagement programmes and help ensure the business remains at the forefront of ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the company's responsible sourcing and sustainability strategy across international supply chains.
- Lead ethical sourcing programmes, supplier engagement and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage human rights due diligence, modern slavery compliance and worker welfare assessments.
- Monitor and report sustainability KPIs and ESG performance to customers and senior leadership.
- Support carbon reduction initiatives and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
- Drive supplier sustainability assessments, risk management and corrective action programmes.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and external stakeholders, responding to sustainability and ESG enquiries.
- Monitor emerging sustainability legislation and advise the business on future compliance requirements.
- Represent the business at relevant industry forums, conferences and working groups.
- Lead and develop a Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Executive.
About You
We're keen to speak with candidates who have
- Experience managing sustainability, ESG or ethical sourcing programmes within food manufacturing, FMCG, retail or complex international supply chains.
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in sustainability, environmental science, food supply chains or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of responsible sourcing, ethical trade and supply chain due diligence.
- Experience working with UK retailers and their sustainability requirements.
- Excellent stakeholder management and supplier engagement skills.
- Strong analytical ability with experience producing sustainability reports and presentations.
- Experience leading projects and driving continuous improvement across supply chains.
Desirable experience includes
- Seafood or agricultural supply chains.
- Modern slavery and human rights due diligence.
- Carbon accounting and emissions reporting.
- Supplier ethical audit programmes (e. g. Sedex / SMETA).
- Traceability systems and responsible sourcing certifications.
- Packaging sustainability and evolving producer responsibility legislation.
- Previous people management experience.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary
- Company pension.
- Healthcare and life assurance.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service.
- The opportunity to shape sustainability strategy within a growing international business.
- A collaborative environment with genuine opportunities for professional development.
Interested?
- For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact
- Katie at
Climate17 .
Climate17 is a purpose-led international recruitment consultancy specialising in Renewable Energy and Sustainability.
We partner with organisations committed to building more sustainable businesses by connecting them with exceptional talent.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager employer: Climate17
As a leading independent renewable energy developer, our client offers an exceptional work environment for the Remote Land Manager role, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a commitment to professional growth, with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainability across the UK. With a focus on inclusivity and a supportive team dynamic, this position not only allows for personal development but also plays a vital role in the transition to a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager
✨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 Climate17 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 Climate17 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 Climate17. 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 Climate17 when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager
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 Climate17'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 Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager.
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 Climate17 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 Climate17 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 Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17
✨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 Climate17.
✨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 Climate17.
✨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 Climate17. 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.
