Head of Sustainability (14 month Fixed Term Contract)

Head of Sustainability (Maternity Cover)

Location: London / North Norfolk / Hybrid

Reporting To: Chief Product Officer

Where We Need Your Help

The Head of Sustainability (Maternity Cover), reporting to the Chief Product Officer and managing the Sustainability Manager, will work across the business to lead the overall sustainability strategy and deliver our ambitious roadmap. You will lead the Sustainability Team to ensure that the sustainability perspective is embedded in everything we do.

What You’ll Do

This is a strategic role that requires a highly operational, hands‑on approach.

Strategy Oversight & Leadership

• Lead the overall ESG strategy in collaboration with the Chief Product Officer.
• Drive and oversee the delivery of our sustainability critical path, B Corp roadmap, taking accountability for internal and external reporting against key annual and long‑term targets.
• Propose and implement updated approaches to environmental and social impact areas where necessary to maintain our ambition to inspire the industry.
• Coordinate complex cross‑functional projects, such as gathering stakeholder input.
• Build cross‑functional relationships to ensure that all teams take responsibility for sustainability improvements.

Research

• Conduct research to identify environmental, social and sustainability concerns, interests and issues, and propose and manage topical projects.
• Research best practice and keep abreast of sustainability-leading brands & initiatives.
• Participate in forums designed to instigate collective learning & change.

Governance, Legislation & Standards

• Maintain a current working knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, all applicable environmental & social laws and regulations.
• Manage a critical path of audits & continuous improvement against voluntary standards.
• Manage relationships with external parties to ensure clear, defined and transparent ways of working.

Supply Chain & Sourcing

• Work closely with the supply chain team to drive ambitious sustainability standards along our supply chain.
• Develop and implement approaches that move the supply chain beyond compliance.
• Define and rollout ESG requirements and due diligence processes for responsibly sourcing specific materials.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)

• Partner closely with the People & Culture team to champion and embed the DE&I strategy and social topics across the organisation.

Communications

• Collaborate closely with the Brand Marketing team & external partners to guide sustainability communications.
• Ensure all messaging is accurate, compliant with green claims regulations.
• Drive internal communications planning, reporting and training.

Budget & Philanthropy

• Take full ownership of the sustainability department’s budget and maintain financial documentation.
• Manage charity partnerships and oversee philanthropic donations to maximise positive social impact.

People Manager

• Coach and develop direct reports, recognise successes and manage performance.
• Ensure fair application of company policies across teams.
• Support team well‑being and work/life balance.
• Lead by example, showcase MV behaviours, competencies and values.
• Empower the team to make decisions and identify learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with People & Culture for complex or sensitive matters.

Connect & Empower

• Communicate complex sustainability priorities clearly and engagingly to varied audiences.
• Build trusted cross‑functional partnerships and create shared ownership across functions.
• Coach and develop others, strengthening ownership & delivery of sustainability goals.

Drive & Deliver

• Use evidence, data and questioning to identify root causes, assess risk and validate claims.
• Set ambitious but realistic goals, translate strategy into measurable roadmaps and KPIs, and drive delivery with pace, ownership and high standards.

Grow & Adapt

• Embrace change, simplify complexity and adapt plans as priorities or legislation evolve.

Master & Apply

• Bring strong sustainability expertise across ESG strategy, environmental and social impact, responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, human rights, audits and reporting.
• Maintain knowledge of industry standards such as Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark, Responsible Jewellery Council, Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, B Corp Impact Assessment.
• Keep up to date with emerging trends, legislation, frameworks.

To Be Successful at Monica Vinader

• Hands‑on, solutions‑focused, entrepreneurial.
• Collaborate openly with humility and honesty.
• Embrace learning, teaching & personal growth.
• Resilient, adaptable, self‑motivated.
• Speak up when you don’t know and act fast to resolve issues.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to document authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Travel Requirements

• Travel between London and Holkham office.
• Ad‑hoc overseas travel.