At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive positive environmental change across our products and supply chain.
- Company: Join N Brown, a top UK digital retail platform committed to inclusivity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 24 days holiday, mental health support, and a colleague discount.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while working with a diverse and passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sustainability or related field and 3+ years in ESG or responsible sourcing roles.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
N Brown - who we are and why work for us?
N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,000 people nationwide.
Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved.
Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility.
We're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all.
Our vision is that by 'By championing inclusion, N Brown will become the UK's most loved and trusted consumer platform, shaping the future of financial empowerment and personal expression'. 'Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.
In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we're so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!
The role
You will support the Sourcing & Sustainability Manager in developing and delivering the Group's Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Strategy across[VH1] products, supply chain and operations.
Working cross-functionally, you will support the implementation of sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance, ESG reporting and responsible sourcing programmes, ensuring the business is prepared for emerging legislation whilst driving measurable environmental and social improvements across the value chain.
- A day in the life of a Sustainability Lead here at N Brown
- Strategy & Delivery
- Support the development, implementation and continual improvement of the Group's Product Sustainability Targets and Responsible Sourcing Strategy
- Measure, analyse, and report progress against sustainability targets, commitments, and ESG objectives, including internal OKRs and external frameworks
- Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Compliance
- Support the Group's responsible sourcing, ethical trade and human rights due diligence programmes, ensuring suppliers operate in line with company standards and international best practice.
- Manage supplier social compliance programmes, including ethical audits, corrective action plans, supplier engagement and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Support the implementation of supply chain due diligence requirements relating to modern slavery, forced labour, worker welfare and responsible business conduct.
- Product Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
- Support product sustainability compliance programmes, ensuring products meet current and emerging environmental legislation across all applicable markets.
- Monitor emerging sustainability legislation and regulatory developments (including product and ESG regulations), assess business impacts and coordinate implementation across relevant functions.
- Support the development of Digital Product Passport capability, product traceability and environmental claims governance.
- ESG Reporting & Governance
- Lead ESG data collection, validation and reporting for product sustainability metrics, external disclosures and voluntary commitments, ensuring robust governance and audit readiness.
- Prepare & support responses for sustainability ratings, customer requests, investor questionnaires and external reporting including Modern Slavery, UK Textile Pact, CDP and other sustainability frameworks where applicable.
- Develop sustainability policies, standards and internal governance processes to support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
- Lead sustainability risk management by identifying, assessing and reporting environmental, social and climate-related risks and opportunities, including material impacts, financial risks and regulatory exposure, supporting the business's enterprise risk management processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, industry bodies, NGOs, certification organisations and external partners to promote best practice and identify opportunities for collaboration.
- Deliver sustainability training, communication and engagement programmes across Product, Sourcing, Buying and other business functions to embed sustainability into everyday decision making.
- Drive innovation & continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve circularity and strengthen responsible sourcing practices across the business.
What are we looking for?
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Sustainability, Environmental Science, CSR, Supply Chain, Fashion, Textiles or a related discipline.
- 3+ years experience working in Sustainability, ESG, Responsible Sourcing or Corporate Responsibility roles.[VH4.1]
- Strong understanding of ESG reporting frameworks and sustainability legislation.
- Experience engaging with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting ESG data and producing meaningful reports.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Experience with certifications and programmes such as Better Cotton, GRS, FSC, Canopy Style or similar.
- Knowledge of legislation such as ESPR, Digital Product Passports, CSRD, CSDDD, Modern Slavery and Green Claims.
- Experience using ESG or supplier management platforms.
What's in it for you?
- Hybrid working
- 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
- Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
- Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
- A range of financial wellbeing support
- Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
- Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
- Life Assurance
- Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice
- Ways of Working
We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in.
Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre.
So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we're perfectly located, plus we're surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!
Our working hours are 36.17 per week over 5 days.
We believe AI will become a standard part of modern professional practice.
We are therefore looking for individuals who are open to learning, testing, and responsibly adopting AI tools to improve efficiency, insight, and impact in their role.
Our promise to you
We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity.
We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Please know your application is being reviewed by a real human being. We value your interest in joining us and appreciate you taking the time to submit your application.
What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?
As soon as we receive your application, we'll send you an email to let you know.
We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us.
Good luck!
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Sustainability Lead in Manchester employer: N Brown
At N Brown, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Quality Lead role within our innovative Castle project team. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing you to thrive in a hybrid working environment while enjoying generous benefits such as enhanced maternity leave, mental health support, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities. Located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, you'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values quality and encourages a pioneering spirit in developing cutting-edge financial services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead in Manchester
✨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 N Brown 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 N Brown 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 N Brown. 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 N Brown when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead in Manchester
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 N Brown'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 Lead.
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 N Brown 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 N Brown 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 Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at N Brown
✨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 N Brown.
✨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 N Brown.
✨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 N Brown. 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.
