At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead responsible business practices in global tea supply chains and ensure sustainability.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to creating a fairer, sustainable tea industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and impactful corporate perks.
- Why this job: Shape ethical conduct in the private sector and influence real change.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in corporate sustainability; strong understanding of human rights and environmental risks.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with the Global Tea Coalition and represent the charity at industry events.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
Location: E2, near Bethnal Green (London). Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience + company benefits
Closing date: 15th of June
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.
Responsible Business Lead employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsible Business Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key issues in the tea supply chain, particularly around human rights and environmental sustainability. Understanding these topics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sustainability and tea sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can provide valuable insights and possibly lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented responsible business practices in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with HREDD and stakeholder engagement will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and developments in corporate sustainability and ethical sourcing. Being knowledgeable about recent changes in certification standards or policy shifts will show that you're proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Business Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Responsible Business Lead position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly around human rights and environmental sustainability.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in corporate sustainability and supply chain management. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for responsible business practices. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and can contribute to the organisation's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight skills such as stakeholder engagement, communication, and project management. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Understand the Mission
Make sure you grasp the charity's mission to create a fairer and more sustainable tea industry. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in corporate sustainability, especially within agricultural supply chains. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've implemented responsible business practices or engaged with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HREDD
Since the role focuses on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence, brush up on relevant frameworks like UNGPs and OECD guidelines. Demonstrating your knowledge will show that you're serious about the responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think of examples where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or facilitated discussions around sustainability issues. This will help you illustrate your communication skills and ability to secure buy-in for practical solutions during the interview.