Responsible Business Lead

Champion responsible business practices across global tea supply chains. Working for a charity on a mission to create a tea industry that’s fairer, more sustainable, and truly responsible. We’re looking for a Responsible Business Lead who will work at the intersection of supply chains, policy, and impact, ensuring members’ business practices actively support human rights and environmental sustainability.

About the role: As Responsible Business Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) across members’ operations. You’ll provide expert advice, coordinate responsible business initiatives, and work with internal teams to ensure supply chain risks are identified and addressed. This is a unique opportunity to shape ethical conduct in the private sector and influence change from boardroom to tea field. You’ll also lead engagement with the Global Tea Coalition, manage stakeholder relationships, and design learning and communications content that helps members understand and act on sustainability issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advise members on responsible business practices and HREDD implementation
• Support design and integration of responsible business elements into global programmes
• Develop guidance and assess member practices against updated membership criteria
• Produce briefings, toolkits, and peer learning events on responsible sourcing and due diligence
• Lead and coordinate the Global Tea Coalition (GTC), supporting strategic planning and member engagement
• Monitor sector developments and certification standards, advising on alignment with values
• Represent the charity at industry events and build partnerships to enhance impact and reach

About you: At least 5 years’ experience in corporate sustainability, ideally within agricultural supply chains. Strong understanding of human rights, environmental risks, and the global tea sector. Familiar with HREDD, UNGPs, OECD guidelines, and certification frameworks. Experience working with business leaders to promote responsible sourcing and supply chain accountability. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and securing buy-in for practical solutions. Clear and confident communicator, able to translate complex topics for diverse audiences. Capable of leading research, developing proposals, and managing collaborative initiatives. Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing multiple priorities independently. Undergraduate degree required, postgraduate qualification preferred, ideally in sustainability, international development, or a related field.

About the organisation: Founded in 1997, this not-for-profit membership organisation with 38 diverse members, collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programs in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities. The projects address critical issues in the tea supply chain, including poverty, gender-based violence, human rights violations, deforestation, and inadequate access to services. By partnering with corporate members, funders, and local implementers, they deliver tailored interventions and drive responsible business practices. Leveraging their unique position, they bring together the right stakeholders to tackle key challenges with actionable solutions.

You may also have experience in roles such as: Sustainability Lead, Ethical Sourcing Manager, Human Rights Advisor, ESG Consultant, Social Impact Lead, CSR Manager, HREDD Specialist, or Sustainable Supply Chain Manager.