At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead responsible sourcing initiatives and drive sustainability across our supplier network.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's largest Group Purchasing Organisation focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to environmental responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of responsible sourcing and drive meaningful change for people and the planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or sustainability with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Foodbuy Group is a leading food procurement organisation based in the UK. With over £2bn of managed spend, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality clients to buy both food and non‑food products. As the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation, we work closely with our clients to deliver expert procurement services—saving them time and money and enabling them to focus on what really matters to their businesses.
The role
- Sourcing & Category Engagement (60%)
- Embed responsible sourcing requirements into category strategies, sourcing events, and contracts in line with the Foodbuy procurement framework.
- Lead supplier selection conversations with a strong focus on carbon reduction, animal welfare, environmental progress, social value, diversity, and supply chain risk.
- Partner with category managers to balance cost, quality, risk, and ESG outcomes in all sourcing decisions.
- Own supplier risk segmentation, due diligence, and corrective action planning for high‑priority spend areas.
- Influence commercial negotiations to strengthen compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Align responsible sourcing standards with procurement policies, SLAs, and scorecards.
- Use supplier data, audits, and assessments to inform decisions and mitigate supply chain risk.
- Present sourcing risks and performance insights to procurement leadership.
- Supplier Relationship Management (20%)
- Develop and grow strategic, sustainability‑led supplier partnerships.
- Build Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align our sustainability ambition with supplier goals.
- Collaborate with sales, category, and marketing teams to co‑create sustainability propositions that drive revenue.
- Lead joint sustainability initiatives that create shared value across the value chain.
- Integrate sustainability KPIs into SRM scorecards, JBPs, and supplier reviews.
- Communicate sustainability impact to Foodbuy leadership and partner teams.
- Data Governance (20%)
- Support the ESG board with embedding sustainability attribute reporting.
- Partner with data and insights teams to produce sustainability reports as required.
- Present consolidated findings to the Foodbuy senior leadership team.
About you
You’ll be successful in this role if you bring:
- Strong procurement or sustainability experience, ideally within a complex supply chain environment.
- The ability to balance commercial priorities with ESG objectives.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge.
- A data‑driven mindset and ability to translate insights into action.
- A passion for building responsible, future‑fit supply chains.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of responsible sourcing within a forward‑thinking organisation. You’ll play a critical role in creating meaningful impact across our supplier network, driving sustainability outcomes that benefit people, planet, and performance.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead Foodbuy’s next chapter in environmental responsibility and Net Zero progress, we would love to hear from you.
Responsible Sourcing Lead in Ottershaw employer: Foodbuy
Foodbuy Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability and responsible sourcing, offering a dynamic work culture in the vibrant locations of Chertsey and London. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, fostering flexibility and work-life balance, while also having access to professional growth opportunities within a leading food procurement organisation. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the environment and contribute to innovative sourcing strategies that align with our commitment to social value and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsible Sourcing Lead in Ottershaw
✨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 the company and its values. Understand their approach to responsible sourcing and sustainability, so you can show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement and sustainability can make a difference at Foodbuy. Keep it concise and impactful—show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Sourcing Lead in Ottershaw
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Responsible Sourcing Lead role. Highlight your procurement or sustainability experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your ability to balance commercial priorities with ESG objectives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about responsible sourcing and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to connect your experiences to the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a data-driven mindset, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to inform decisions in past roles. Whether it's through supplier audits or performance insights, we want to see how you can translate data into actionable strategies.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of responsible sourcing and sustainability. Brush up on current trends, regulations, and best practices in procurement. This will not only show your passion but also your expertise in balancing commercial priorities with ESG objectives.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your procurement or sustainability experience. Think about times when you successfully influenced stakeholders or led initiatives that drove sustainability outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Questions
Come armed with thoughtful questions about the company’s sustainability goals and how they align with their procurement strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company’s values match yours.
✨Data-Driven Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with supplier audits, risk assessments, or sustainability reporting. This will demonstrate your ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.