Associate Manager, Data & Digital Transformation

We are looking for an Associate Manager, Data and Digital Transformation (13-month maternity cover) to lead a small data team to incentivise and support ISEAL members to make significant improvements to their data systems, embed data-driven decision-making in their assurance processes, and work towards interoperability in sustainable supply chains. Data is at the heart of sustainability standards and certification. A key focus of our work at ISEAL is supporting these systems to better leverage the data they collect to create value and drive sustainability impact. We support our members along their digital transformation journey. The goal is to ensure a seamless flow of sustainability and compliance data from producing enterprises to the market and to leverage this data to create incentives and benefits for those at the start of the supply chain.

To date, we have focused on building the foundations for robust data governance and management, strengthening their capacity to leverage data for insights, and supporting standardisation of core certificate data. In this next strategic phase, we’re doubling down on data and technology as a strategic priority and are committed to build a more ambitious support programme focused on leveraging technology and AI.

The successful candidate will have a broad understanding of and experience with data management, and in supporting digital transformation projects within complex data ecosystems. They will be confident in engaging data practitioners from across our membership, and in facilitating peer learning on technical topics like data standardisation, interoperability, analytics and data management. Prior experience and understanding of certification, audit and sustainability performance data is an important asset.

The key responsibilities we entrust you with:

• Contribute to thought leadership on digital transformation for ISEAL community members
• Provide support and oversight to Digital Innovations Coordinator on running member peer learning groups: Data Community of Practice and Data Insights Lab
• Collaborate with the Manager, Credibility and Innovations on building strong relationships with individual member organisations with regards to their use of data analytics as part of their assurance processes
• Design and deliver peer exchange sessions and guidance on organisational data management, interoperability of data systems, and deriving insights from complex data systems
• Develop guidance and resources on digital transformation and data management, building on existing ISEAL resources and tools
• Lead engagement with key data interoperability initiatives like the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP) and GIZ DIASCA, and derive insights to bring back to the ISEAL Community
• Build momentum within the ISEAL community to collaborate on data standardisation
• Review and provide input on ISEAL’s internal AI use policy
• Potential line management of Digital Innovations Coordinator (pending prior line management experience)
• Contribute to ISEAL’s wider work on data and information management, especially with the ISEAL community and its members
• Support grant-related reporting, including project and budget tracking
• Help shape and participate in strategic discussions related to the data and information management programme of work
• Actively participate in Impacts & Innovations team and organizational work planning activities
• Participate in internal staff management processes such as staff meetings, performance reviews, supervisory meetings, etc.

Essential attributes / skills / knowledge:

• Experience leading or contributing to an organisational digital transformation project or implementing a data governance system, ideally in sustainability
• Experience working with technical data transfer products such as APIs and strong understanding of related data governance and data standards issues
• Interest and understanding of AI and the data management considerations associated with this field
• Interest and understanding of data ethics, rights, and ownership, especially in the context of sustainable value chains
• Experience managing and working in digital collaborative environments (e.g. Git Hub)
• Experience coordinating or facilitating group discussions and delivering webinars
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to make complex or technical topics accessible
• Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with people across cultures and time zones
• Basic understanding of project management skills including effective time & task management, budget and resource management
• Confidence using virtual meeting tools (e.g. Teams, Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc), use of contact management databases (e.g. Salesforce) and proficiency in MS Office 365

Additionally desirable:

• Data management experience within sustainability systems and knowledge of the broader sustainability digital ecosystem.
• Practical experience working with certification or audit data
• Experience working on organisational change management, especially in a non-profit context

ISEAL´s culture and how we will help you thrive:

Our values are Connection, Empowerment, Inspiration, Wellbeing, Effective Working and Creativity. These are traits we value in each other and in the organisation overall and we instil these in all our processes and interactions. The issues we work on are of a global nature and our team reflects this, with individuals from many different backgrounds and nationalities. We know this diversity adds to the high quality of work we deliver as an organisation and through our commitment to diversity and inclusion we want to add strengths and perspectives in our team with each recruitment. Diversity for us includes race and gender identity, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other areas forming part of someone´s identity. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

As an organisation, we also support our people in their personal and professional development, with specific budgets and processes enabling individuals to take advantage of growth and development opportunities. We offer 25 days of annual leave, to which we will add a day a year after 2 years (to a maximum of 30 days), as well as an extra five days as a one off once you have been with us for a full five years.

We recognise individuals’ preferences when it comes to where and when to work through a hybrid working model with a minimum of 4 days per month in the London office as well as the opportunity to apply for flexible working arrangements to suit individual´s needs.

Other relevant information:

• Term: This is a maternity leave cover with a 13-months contract
• Working hours: 80 % (30 hours) – 100 % (full time, 37.5 hours per week), depending on preference
• Salary: £45,800 – 49,800, depending on experience (pro rata for less than 100%)
• Location: London is the preferred location. Applicants will need to provide evidence that they are entitled to work in the UK. An ability and willingness to work in a hybrid work environment is required.
• International travel: The post holder will be required to undertake occasional international travel
• Ideal start date: mid-September 2026
• Reporting to: Traceability Manager

How to apply:

Please use the link below to apply. Specific enquiries about this role and the application process can be sent to the [email protected]. Deadline for applications is 6 August, 5pm GMT. Please note that we will only contact shortlisted applicants. Cover letter: We would like to see candidates´ own writing in the cover letter and discourage the use of AI for this purpose.

Interview process:

Please note that we will endeavor to keep to this schedule, but some dates may be subject to change. Screening interviews (Teams): rolling until 13 August. Pre-interview timed exercises (between 60 – 90 minutes from home): 15-18 August. Panel interviews (in person): 19/20 August tbc. Decision: w/c 24 August.

Accessibility:

If candidates require additional time or other considerations for the interview process, we are committed to accommodating any reasonable requests. Please note that ISEAL will cover travel expenses for in person interviews for candidates travelling from outside of Greater London. ISEAL also covers caring expenses for candidates who are carers and need to arrange of cover for the duration of the interview/exercises.