Social Sustainability Specialist in City of Westminster

Role Overview

The Ethical Sustainability Specialist at River Island implements the Sustainability strategy by working closely with Suppliers, Buying and the Reassurance Network (TRN) in‑country teams to ensure all of our factories and production sites operate within the guidelines set by the River Island Ethical Code of Conduct and the ETI Base Code. All work must have a clear focus on the rights of workers within the supply chain and ensuring that we reduce the risk of worker labour rights abuses and modern slavery occurring. This should be driven by a strong continuous improvement approach across the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• A key part of the role is ensuring all metrics and data are up‑to‑date and available to the business, with a focus on key social data metrics, taking a hands‑on approach as and when required.
• Working with the CSR & Sustainability Lead to drive efficiencies in data gathering, examining the potential of software and AI to reduce manual input.
• Knows the most effective processes to get things done with a focus on continuous improvement, using metrics and benchmarks to monitor accuracy and promptly addressing process breakdown.
• Works without supervision and provides technical guidance on developing, monitoring, interpreting and understanding audits, policies and procedures, ensuring they match organisational strategies and objectives.
• Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organisation moving forward, knowing when to act independently and when to elevate issues, ensuring correct metrics are gathered.
• Conducts regular reviews of current and emerging global legislation, ensuring proactive implementation into the business.
• Responsible for risk mitigation related to social sustainability issues, handling any arising issues timely and focusing on root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Progresses investigations and decisions on supplier failures to meet social sustainability standards, including communication to peers and stakeholders.
• Co‑ordinates, supports and conducts training across stakeholders to ensure a full understanding of standards and requirements for social sustainability.
• Develops and implements training programmes and processes for evolving guidance and information around social sustainability, legislation and risk management.
• Establishes effective supplier communication to encourage understanding and compliance of the RI Social Sustainability strategy.
• Maintains current and identifies new external networks of standards and industry bodies to build on our knowledge base and consultative resources, providing ongoing awareness of current social sustainability updates in legislation.
• Manages projects relating to new initiatives, providing training, processes, support and project management to achieve time‑bound goals for launches.
• Suggests new initiatives and innovations to improve social sustainability within River Island.
• May be required to manage a junior team member (e.g., apprentice/student), including mentoring, setting objectives and providing timely feedback and support.
• Builds strong relationships at all levels within the Buying and Technical teams to influence, engage, increase knowledge and upskill.

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainability or a fashion‑related field, or a minimum 2‑year experience in sustainability/responsible sourcing for a clothing retailer or supplier to the retail industry.
• Computer literate using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other IT systems to a high level.
• Trained to SA8000 Lead Auditor Standard.

Job Role Competencies

• Excellent commercial and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and numerical reasoning skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Skilled decision maker and problem solver.
• Skilled interpersonal and collaboration skills and self‑management.
• Builds strong relationships with peers, highly collaborative approach.
• Tenacious, resilient, and adaptable to change.
• Passion for the RI brand and customer.
• Ability to advise and influence stakeholders, peers and senior management.
• Skilled in project management processes, highly organised with ability to prioritise tasks and workflows.

Benefits

• Generous 50% staff discount.
• Free onsite gym.
• Subsidised restaurant & café.
• Various social events throughout the year.
• Flexible working schedule.
• 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of bank holidays (option to purchase additional holiday twice a year).
• Bonus scheme and private pension plan.
• Health care provider AXA (opt‑in).
• Upskilling with on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Succession planning for career progression.
• Give‑as‑you‑earn scheme and a ‘Giver Island’ day each year with matched funding.